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Can infected parents transmit herpes to non-infected children

I had several unprotected (banging my head on the wall about the stupidity of it) oral and vaginal sexual contacts with a partner that did not know she was infected with HSV-2. She did not have any symptoms at the time but found a single small irritated area on her labia a few days after our last encounter and tested positive with a swab test.

Our first encounter was 4 months ago and our last was 2 weeks ago. I never have shown any symptoms. Nonetheless, I had a blood test made and I'm still awaiting the results.

How likely is it that I have been infected?

I have read all of the descriptions about the precautions to take to avoid infecting a sexual partner. But I have not seen anything about the risks and precaution for other family members. We have two children. If it turns out I am infected (and thus most likely my wife too), what precautions (if any) should be take to protect the children?

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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Before I even read your question in its entirety, my response--simply to the title of your question--is a simple no.  To my knowledge HSV-2 (the most likely cause of your partner's herpes) has never been transmitted nonsexually to household members.

Now to your question:  I really cannot predict the risk.  On the one hand, among monogamous couples in which one has herpes due to HSV-2, and having sex 2-3 times a week, the average risk of transmission is 3-4% per year; so the risk for any particular exposure is low.  On the other hand, transmission is much more likely in the first few months of a relationship; and since she had a lesion within a few days of one of your sexual exposures, the odds are good that you were exposed when she was shedding virus.

Don't worry about your kids, just your wife; she might not yet be infected.  You should avoid sex with her (or use condoms) until you wait at least 3-4 weeks after your last sex with your other partner and haven't had symptoms to suggest infection; and until you learn your current blood test is negative.  To be absolutely certain, you will need to have yet another blood test around 3 months after the last exposure to your infected partner.

Good luck--  HHH, MD
Helpful - 1
79258 tn?1190630410
None. If it turns out you have herpes, you have nothing to worry about. Herpes is a *sexually transmitted disease*, and not transmittable through casual household contact. You don't have to worry at all about giving it to your kids.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
It can be passed to children durning the birth process, so if you passed it to your wife and she then had a child and a herpes eruption it would be reason for c section delivery.
Herpes can be very dangerous if passed to a baby during birth.
Helpful - 0

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