Can I transmit Herpes to my children through indirect contact?

[missT1985]

I have genital herpes and am worried about secondary transference of the virus to my children through, say, a towel... Hypothetically, if I touched an area where viral shedding was occuring and then touched my child or something else that my child touched can my child acquire the virus through indirect contact? Can the virus (during shedding) be tranferred from, say, your genital area to your eyes or mouth or something from your hands? Any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

[Mia0025]

Why in the world would you touch your genital then change the babies diaper?? ....like that's odd ...... Anyways you should wash your hands good with very warm water and maybe use germ x let your hands dry then change your baby's diaper then wash your hands again... And don't pick at your blisters because you might forget to wash your hands and you might pass it on without realizing it

[Stayup]

She thinks she gave it to him by kissing his face... The rash is on his face not his genitals

[watersign995]

Hi, I share your pain and here to also say it happens. I have HSV-2 orally and genitally, although I have not had any outbreaks or symptoms for a long while now. Despite using suppressive therapy all the time, I believe I may have transmitted it to my 10-year old son. I've been very careful about sharing things in the house, but even asymptomatically, it seems to have happened. How do I deal with the guilt, shame, and the overwhelming sense that I have let him down and saddled him with this for life? Now he will need to be on suppressive therapy, too. It is hard to go on day by day, but I have to. I have no other choice. I, too, don't know how to tell anyone. As with all who have this virus, you waiver back and forth between wanting to feel like "this is normal and more people than you think have it" and feeling diseased, guilt-ridden, and that your life is forever changed--because it is. I'm not a religious person, but I keep thinking about that adage that what doesn't kill you makes your stronger and we don't receive burdens we cannot bear. I have to be here for my son and find a way to manage the guilt and possibly find some redemption in this lifetime.

[lost2134]

I know how you feel, I too was diagnosed with HSV2 on my B-day a year ago.  I have it orally and have been depressed ever since.  I have a 7 year old and I talked with his Dr about the possibility of spreading it to him and was told some of the similar things I have read from other people (Not to worry, it won't happen).  Well, I am here to tell you it can happen and happened to me.  My son has had an outbreak of bumps on his cheeks, redness on his neck and shoulders and complaining of itching and headaches.  These are the same symptoms I have. I literally think of killing myself everyday.  I am so depressed and feel lost.  When my son's school called to tell me had a rash on his face that looked aggravated I wanted to die.  I don't even know how to tell them he has herpes at 7.

[lost2134]

I know how you feel, I too was diagnosed with HSV2 on my B-day a year ago.  I have it orally and have been depressed ever since.  I have a 7 year old and I talked with his Dr about the possibility of spreading it to him and was told some of the similar things I have read from other people (Not to worry, it won't happen).  Well, I am here to tell you it can happen and happened to me.  My son has had an outbreak of bumps on his cheeks, redness on his neck and shoulders and complaining of itching and headaches.  These are the same symptoms I have. I literally think of killing myself everyday.  I am so depressed and feel lost.  When my son's school called to tell me had a rash on his face that looked aggravated I wanted to die.  I don't even know how to tell them he has herpes at 7.

[Stayup]

Please dont be hard on yourself! It could be anything! Over 50% of people contract hsv1 (oral or coldsores) before they become teenagers. He is your son... Of course you are going to kiss him! Just make sure to avoid kissing or sharing cups, untensils ect when you have break outs or cold sores. I would just get him tested. But please dont feel that way ): I know how it feels.... I have been single forever and have just met who I think is the man of my life....and I just found out I have hsv2... I had to tell him and I'm not sure if he has it or not... I'm very depressed to think that he might not and will leave me... But you need to stay positive about these things. If you need help join a support group and if you ever get so low that you are actually contemplating suicide please call a suicide hotline... Its not worth it, life goes on. You'll be in my thoughts.

[Stayup]

And I'm only 21 and have a 2 year old daughter... I'm worried because I have been taking her in the shower with me since she was born
... She will sit in bath water while I stand under the shower
.. I am terrified now...

[Sehlu]

Im so scared of passing it to my 11 year old son. How can i prevent this from happening?

[sunnidlyte1975]

I am so scared because I think that my 5 year old son may have gotten the virus from me I don't know how that it is possible but I think back and he has used my towels and maybe even my wash cloth. I try to be careful about it but my partner is not and he watches him for me while i go to school and I am afraid that he has the virus and I do not know what to do any suggestions?

[LoveableSass]

I have been diagnosed with hsv 1 for a year now with no symptoms. Have a 3 month old that loves affection but I am afraid to kiss, change her diaper, let her touch my face, hug, or even have her lay in bed with me to watch tv. Plus, I know Id gotten it from my husband because I'd previously tested negative for all stds but one cold day he came home from work complaining of itching & burning of the lips which subsequently revealed a cold sore. After it healed & I'd gotten retested a few months later, I am told that I have hsv 1. I had a major breakdown & blamed him as he is my only partner but he denies it & goes to get tested & says he's negative with no formal proof to say that he is indeed negative. Help on can I kiss, hug, change her diapers, bathe, & have her lay on my pillow with no symptoms? Can I kiss my husband without him possibly passing it on to her if he truly doesn't have it? If I have a pimple on my nose & it pops, can the hsv 1 spread through the pimple's secretion? How can I wash my face without transmission despite not ever having an outbreak?