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Herpes is very easy to catch. No Joke.

How do you catch herpes?

• Herpes is spread by direct contact with the infectious virus. You can catch herpes from somebody with genital herpes via unprotected vaginal or anal sex, genital contact or through oral sex with someone who gets cold sores. Also sharing towels believe it or not.

• Coldsores could be transmitted many ways without having any sexual contact of any kind. You can catch the virus by sharing silverware, cups, if a infected person touch a open sore or cut on your body or kissing. Trust me this is true.

• Genital herpes and cold sores are both very infectious when an infected person has blisters or sores.
• It is possible for an infected person to transmit the virus when they have no symptoms of infection.

You can NOT get Herpes Simplex from going to the toilet, the swimming pool, the beach etc. You can only get Herpes Simplex from physical contact with the affected area of a person who has the virus. This includes sharing silverware, cups and towels.

For Oral Herpes this is typical for kissing and for Genital Herpes it is typically sexual activity. But remember you can still catch it many other ways other than kissing and sexual. Many children catch herpes type 1 oral when they are very young from sharing food and silverware.

Who gets oral herpes?

• Anyone. Any Age. Plain and simple.

Who gets genital herpes?

• Anyone who has sex can catch genital herpes. The people at most risk are those having unprotected sexual intercourse (i.e. not using condoms), especially those with more than one sexual partner and those who change sexual partners.

• In 2004, 18,991 men and women attended STD clinics (also called genitourinary medicine clinics) in United Kingdom with first attack genital herpes.

• Rates of diagnosis of genital herpes are highest in 20 to 24 year-old men and women.

Preventing the Spread of Herpes

To prevent spreading Herpes it is important to keep good hygiene
standards. If you have Herpes you should:

• Avoid sexual activity during an outbreak
• Avoid touching the affected area when you have an outbreak
• Wash your hands regularly
• Hold your hands over your mouth when you sneeze
• Do not share drinks, or food
• Do not share towels or other similar items
• Tell your partner that you have Herpes.

But most importantly you should SEE A DOCTOR for diagnosis, advice and
prescription medication. Antiviral treatment will lower the risk of
spreading Herpes.