Dr. Hook,
I have had genital herpes for many years and my husband has remained negative. I am not on suppressive therapy because I get outbreaks very infrequently. I am very anxious about giving this to my children via sharing toilets, towels, or showers/bath tubs.
I have a few questions about transmission...when I called the CDC hotline for info they told me that "there has never been a reported case of transmission in these ways but it is theoretically possible". Why would they say this if everything I have read says that HSV is not transmitted via tiolet seats, etc.?
During an outbreak, is there viral shedding over areas that do not contain lesions? For example, if I have a lesion on my labia, can I leave the virus on a toilet seat via my buttocks? If my daughter then sits on the toilet seat and accidentally rubs her genitals on the seat, is there a risk of transmission?
If so, how long does the virus live on surfaces?
Am I much more contagious because I am not on antiviral medication? What are the percentages of transmission?
I would love to receive a very detailed response please. Thank you very much!