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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Genital Herpes A Contagious Disease?

I would like to know if aperson with an outbreak of genital herpes can pass it on to another person through any other contact besides sex? We have a resident in a group home that has an outbreak and I need to know if it can be passed to other residents or staff......Thank you
Tue, 19 Jan 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain genital herpes is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus II and it is a highly contagious infection and although sexual contact is the most potent way by which the infection can be transmitted while the infection can also be transmitted by sharing personal use things with the individual like towels, undergarments, used clothes etc..

To make it clear the chances of spread of infection are high during an outbreak of infection in the infected person and not always..
So I would suggest you that you should not share any personal use things with the infected person and in case if you have done it before you can get a viral testing done to confirm that you are exposed to it or not..

The person should also be encouraged to take a long course of antiviral medications and maintain proper hygiene to get relieved as well as prevent spreading of infection to others..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
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Is Genital Herpes A Contagious Disease?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain genital herpes is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus II and it is a highly contagious infection and although sexual contact is the most potent way by which the infection can be transmitted while the infection can also be transmitted by sharing personal use things with the individual like towels, undergarments, used clothes etc.. To make it clear the chances of spread of infection are high during an outbreak of infection in the infected person and not always.. So I would suggest you that you should not share any personal use things with the infected person and in case if you have done it before you can get a viral testing done to confirm that you are exposed to it or not.. The person should also be encouraged to take a long course of antiviral medications and maintain proper hygiene to get relieved as well as prevent spreading of infection to others.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.