Hugging

by Carla
(New York City, NY, USA)

I was recently diagnosed with Herpes 1 and 2.

So I'm in that "Cave" phase right now and not feeling too good about myself.

I am a hugger and love to hug my kids, family and friends.

Can I transmit my Herpes virus to someone by hugging them?


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Dear Carla,

Contrary to what some might think, herpes cannot be transmitted through casual or indirect contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing utensils, drinking from the same glass or straw, sharing food, sitting on public toilets, or touching doorknobs. This is because the herpes virus dies relatively quickly outside the body.

Herpes 1 (cold sores) and Herpes 2 (genital herpes) are transmitted via direct skin-to-skin contact. That means kissing and engaging in sexual acts such as oral, vaginal, and anal sex. The herpes virus sheds on the skin surface and needs to be in direct contact with another person's skin or mucous membranes for it to transfer.

It’s normal to feel worried and concerned with the health of your kids and others, but you have absolutely nothing to worry about hugging them as far as transmitting herpes 1 and herpes 2 is concerned!

I know how it feels like living in the darkness of the “cave” of our own fears and worries with herpes. But do know that there is always a silver lining to any situation.

One of the first things I did to overcome that initial phase was read as much as I can about herpes. I’ve listed some of the books that really helped me during this time at my Herpes Products page. Maybe these can help you too.

All the best,

Gary

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