Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), commonly called as Herpes, is a Sexually Transmitted Disease in which a person develops blisters around genitals. Can one catch the infection by using the same toilet seat or towel as someone with herpes? This is the most commonly asked question. Fortunately these are myths. Toilet seats and Herpes have nothing in common except this myth. This article discusses this issue in detail.
Whoever said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous Thing” was indeed a wise man. Incomplete information often misleads people resulting in even more ignorance of the facts. So, is the case with Sexually Transmitted Diseases? Being a sensitive issue, most people choose not to discuss it with their doctors even if they are infected. Parents always have problems discussing such issues with their children and this often leads to misinformation gathered from different, unreliable sources. People who want to deny the causes of contracting the virus may spread misleading information. Truth is that it is nearly impossible to get infected by contact with a toilet seat or towel. Usually it is caused by exchanging bodily fluids or any type of sexual activity with a person who is already infected by the virus. If the person has active lesions then your chances of catching the virus increase. An inactive virus can also infect you but it definitely needs its carrier and can not be transferred from one person to another through toilet seats etc. So, from now onwards you don’t need to fear that use of public toilet seats and Herpes will transmit infection.
The Virus enters our body through the mucous membrane, which is present inside our mouth, inner genitals, anus etc. Sexual activity which brings the active virus in contact with this membrane transmits Herpes. Otherwise the Virus cannot survive outside the human body and without bodily heat and moisture. On a dead surface like a toilet seat, the virus can not survive. So there is absolutely no connection between a toilet seats and Herpes.
The symptoms are small ulcer like blisters which may or may not be painful. The initial stages may involve slight itching, rashes or pain around the genital area. For Herpes to infect a body it is necessary to have sexual contact and that is why safe sex is emphasized the most these days and it is recommended to use a condom. They provide a good measure of protection against this infection but not complete protection. HSV is a life long Infection, once you get infected you will experience active lesions. Treatment can cure blisters and pain but the virus will remain inside your body. Anti viral therapy can also reduce the risk of shedding the virus considerably.
Although there is no definitive cure available for Herpes, there are effective treatments available that can make coping with Herpes much easier. Find out more about our recommended Natural Herpes Treatment.