Chick at the gym

I have a pretty random question.  I've been going to the gym for the past weeks to "turn my body into a weapon:" and decided to get my measurements.  I've been pretty freaked out over herpes so have spent a lot of time reading the post on the forum.  I now notice things with other people that I have never noticed before.  Like I check their lips to see if they have a cold sore and really just to a really brief look over.  The trainer in the gym took me back to the office where they took my weight and told me to remove my sweatshirt(I was wearing a cami underneath) so they could take my measurements.  I was really paying any attention to her, she ws inquiring into my workout habits, eating, etc.  When she took my arm measuremts I happened to look down at her hand AND SHE HAD A MASS OF BLISTERS ON HER THUMB THAT LOOKED JUST LIKE THE HERPES WHITLOW PICTURES I'VE SEEN ON THE NET!!!!  I kind of instictively recoiled slightly AND HER HAND BRUSHED MY BARE ARM!!!!!  I'm not completely sure if it was the finger with the blisters but lets just say it was.  I didn't want to be rude so I excused myself as soon as I could to go the bathroom and wash my arm where her hand had touched it.  It was still about 4 min after she touched me.What are the chances that I may have gotten exposure by this incident.  I was recently tested by herpes select and came back neg.  Just when my mind was eased this has to happen.  Also before she measured me and I noticed her hand, I used some of the machines that she used and I had to touch the handles.  Once I left, I covered my hand and arm in santizer.  I'm almost postive that there was not any cuts on my skin, but still.  By that. ...I mean the santizer didn't burn when I put it on my skin.  Why would she not cover it up....or maybe she just didn't know what it was.  

[chilynn]

She touched the skin right above the crook of my elbow

[gracefromHHP]

You are being overly anxious about all of this.  You weren't at risk from this kind of contact.

grace

[chilynn]

okay grace, if you are sure I will drop it.  Should I contact the gym and let them know so they will least make her cover it?  Just a quick question, I thought if the virus came in contact with skin, it infected it.   Or does it only infect through cuts....*which yeaa for me there were none on my arm.  :)  Is herpes whitlow easily spread from person to person or does it just infect gential (genital) tissue normally?

[chilynn]

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[gracefromHHP]

It takes more than just contact with the skin to transmit herpes whitlow - normally the skin on your body is too thick for the virus to penetrate anyways.

You don't even know if this was herpes - you are just panicking about it from the sounds of it.  If you have concerns though by all means call the gym and ask to talk to someone in charge and discuss your concerns that one of their employees has obvious rashes on their hands and they don't have them covered.  

grace

[chilynn]

i called them today and talked to the general manager,  She said she will look into it.  I am still freaking out, but slowly getting it under control.  Zero risk from her touching my arm or just low risk meaning it could happen. but 85percent chance it didn't.  no more posts after this.  i promise  :)

[chilynn]

I just found this post that you made a few months ago


"The thing about herpes is - yes it can live on surfaces for hours - that's not the point though.  It takes some heat and friction in order for the virus to be transmitted to someone.  The skin on the buttocks and the thigh area is too thick for the virus to easily penetrate and infect someone so just coming in contact with active virus on a surface or a hand isn't going to be enough to transmit it."

It made me feel better.  heat and friction is needed for transmission on normal skin like arms.  i;m zero risk.....right?

[chilynn]

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[chilynn]

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[chilynn]

bump

[chilynn]

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[gracefromHHP]

I have no idea what else you want me to say since what I've said already evidently hasn't convinced you that you weren't at risk.

grace

[chilynn]

Lol,  I was just freaking out for no reason.  Thanks for being patient and not making me feel extra crazy.  Its so wierd how the mind can ignore reason and just run on its on tangent.  The gym called me a few hours ago anyway and said that they talked to the girl's doc and she has noncontagious hand warts.  She has had them for the past ten years or so....To  be honest, I kind of feel like a jerk, she is really a nice trainer.  Luckly, she didn't get in any trouble.  They did it in a nice way.  Thank again Grace, you are really awesome .  I'm sure you hear it everyday but just in case "Thank you"  :)


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[chilynn]

Little update, I was working out and  the trainer came by and patted my arm and said "good job"  and I didn;t freak out.  I know its really small but for me its a big thing.  I think I need to stay aways from this site for a little while.  it is such a thing as too much knowledge. Thanks again

Lyn