re: swimming, toilet seats; drinking after someone with herpes.
125818
You can't catch herpes from NON physical contact. But seeing as you have little ones, and are concerned for your own well being, i'd take extra precaution while your friend is staying with you. If possible, you could talk to them and explain your concerns, but good on you for not excluding her or not welcoming her into your home.
191375
Herpes is VERY manageable and the frequency of attacks depends on your immune system and how your body is reacting to the virus... the body generally adapts and you cease having outbreaks after about 7 years- but you can spread it even after then!\n\nI caught it 2 years ago. It's traumatic when it first happens. I got lucky as far as having people to talk to, though- my boss, a coworker, my aunt (who has never given it to her husband and had kids)...\nThe emotional pain of getting "it" can be devastating! Obviously, you catch herpes from sex. Usually with someone you trust. It sucks.\n\nIf it helps any, there are ALOT of guys out there who are VERY sympathetic and will date (and sleep with) you anyway. Herpes does not make you "damaged goods".\n\nI do think it's important to get on the daily dose of acyclovir, valtrex, or zovirax before becoming sexually active again. This way, when you meet someone you are interested in having sex with, you have done all that you can do to prevent the spread of it and with a condom their risks will be VERY minimal.\n\nThis also helps when you decide to tell a guy. Usually I've been like "um... well, I always use condoms anyway, but I also take Valtrex for herpes to reduce the transmission rate...". Then I tell him that it reduces the asymptomatic shedding by 80-90% and if we use a condom, and I'm not having an outbreak, his risks will be VERY small. I usually blurt it out around the second date or whenever we start talking about sex.\n\nAlso, when you do go dating again, older men (age 30+) are MUCH more understanding. Guys in their 20s just don't haven't been around the block enough, for the most part. Most older guys have usually been with a chick who has "it".\n\nIf you're having an outbreak, epsom salt baths can help sooth it. Bathing does not spread the herpes virus.\n\nTry not to think of yourself as "sick" if you can help it. I find it's best (for my stress levels as well) just to deal with things matter-of-factly, educate myself on the facts, screw everything else, and treat myself like a queen.\n\nCatching herpes made me, oddly enough, respect myself MORE. I caught it from being assaulted, so maybe the anger-releasing assertiveness-learning "**** it all" attitude was also a way of dealing with THAT stress. As I said, I was very lucky to have people around me who I could talk to. I was also lucky in that I was able to reconnect with my body, not generalize one incident to "men in general", and to have supportive male friends (I got thouroughly spoiled in the months following).\nSorry for getting off on the ramble there- so much to say...\n\nAnyway- hope that atleast some of this helps- feel free to contact me....
262405
From what you are saying, I doubt your friend's boyfriend has herpes, especially in his mouth from oral sex.  There are a couple of types of herpes.  There is the herpes that causes fever blisters and cold sores.  This type of herpes is transmitted generally from sharing drinks, lipstick, kissing, so basically it is one that breaks out on the face and when contracted the face is what will be affected during breakouts.  \n\nThe other herpes, that would have been contracted during oral sex, is referred to as "genital herpes" and generally that is where the breakouts occur.  If you will remember all of the drug commercials on TV a year or so about a drug to reduce the time between breakouts and shortening the duration of the breakout. \n\nUnfortunately, both types of herpes are not curable.  There are definitely some things to help alleviate the pain, burning and embarrassment of them.  If your friend's boyfriend has the herpes virus that causes cold sores, then he can go to the drugstore and get an ointment for lips/mouth.  However, for a sore that has broken out inside his mouth there are two vitamins that help with this, they are L-Lysine and Lecithin.  I personally have the virus that causes the mouth breakouts.  By taking these vitamins as well as staying healthy, I hardly ever have a breakout.  Not even once a year, and when I do get them, they go away quickly. \n\nAlso, if you friend has what some people call a cold sore in his mouth, it could also be something else.  A canker sore or mouth ulcer.  This is usually caused by an unbalance of the vital bacteria your body needs called acidophilous.  He may want to get some acidophilous in pill form or get some acidophilous milk.  My brother used to get these alot when we were really young.  Not to gross you out, but it's also a great thing for women who suffer from yeast infections.  It's the same thing.  Just different locations. Just a note to self, bathing in acidophilous milk is great for a yeast infection.  (I have a sister who is a pharmacist, so I get alot of good information).
537167
ok first:was it treated?\nthen its gone:dont worry about it no more.\nno stds are not things you get from a toiletseat:only by having sex with a peron who already has one:so getting married to a guy who never had sex,can not cause you getting one.\ngood that you asked:\nRob.
669934
1-Keep the the cold sores clean and dry\n2-Replace your toothbrush and don't keep it in the bathroom which is a moist enviornment that herpes simplex could hope for.\n3-Don't put the brush that has been in his mouth up to the toothpaste tube which can transmit too\n4-Several studies show that a water based zinc solution,helps speed healing time.\n5-Ice might decrease inflammation\n6-Some patients claim that breaking a sore and using WITCH HAZEL or alcohol to dry it really helps.\n7-Avoid arginine-rich foods such as chocolate,cola,peas,grain cereals,peanuts,gelatin.\n8-Soften it with an over the counter,they contain some emollient to reduce cracking and soften scabs,and a numbing agent like phenol or camphor.\n9-You can protect the cold sore by covering it with petroleum jelly,be sure not to dip back into the jelly with your finger,or use a swab.\nGoodluck & Best Wishes
267786
Yes, there isn't any. Herpes is caused by a virus. Actually, there is little cure for viruses nowadays. The only thing that you can generally do in the case of a viral infection is strengthen the immune system and hope it fights it off. Not with Herpes, the immune system can't win against it. Thus you only get to treat the symptoms. Once you're infected, it stays with you for life. So don't get infected.
182666
Before he gets scarred for life (herpies never ever goes away) tell her to tell him about the STD.  Make sure she knows that if she doesn't tell him, you will.  It isn't your place to step into their affairs, but this is serious if he doesn't know.
444672
Herpes type 2? where on your bikini line, groin, bosoms, etc. do you have pubic hair? if you dont, its hair sprouting from your area
379716
Valtrate is the medicine that is prescribed this helps if used in small dose daily keep outbreaks at bay.\nWhen outbreak occurs via weeping blisters then Valtrate is doubled  this shortens length and severity of outbreak.\nThey are after all only small cold sores in clusters, so other than the psychological trauma of knowing that anytime you are rundown  or traumatised in any way outbreaks  do often occur.\nYou can pass on the virus even when not active by shedding miniscule particles.\nCondoms are mandantory to restrict infection during sexual contact  but still not foolproof.\nIt can't be stressed enough to abstain from sexual contact whilst suffering outbreak as most infectious during this time.\nIf your partner is fully aware of this and thinks enough of you then it shouldn't be an issue.\nHonesty is the only policy as whilst 1 in 5 Americans carry disease some do not even know they carry it.\nIt might seem a stigma to carry but as said that it can be managed, life is still the same,it's not a death sentence...
486198
that fit perfectly in women health section!!\nI hope he was drinking water while swallowing!!\nLol.....awesome..thanks for the unexpected laugh!! another good one? so, see you in the Sociology section....!! lmao
73868
look, it has been estimated that ONE IN FOUR US adults has herpes. it seems to me that it's a pretty silly reason to leave an otherwise acceptible partner.\n\n"Some couples have reported no transmission of the virus even though they have been in a sexual relationship for many years. This is put down to restraint during outbreaks or very particular avoidance of the blisters during sex.\n\nIf you care about your partner and want to have an intimate relationship with her or him, herpes does not have to stand in the way. Couples deal successfully with herpes all the time. In most cases, it is only a minor inconvenience.\n\nHerpes often brings about some changes in a couple's sex life, such as abstaining from sex during outbreaks. For most people with herpes, this occurs only a few times a year. Ask your partner how often he or she has outbreaks so you'll have some idea of what to expect.\n\nBetween outbreaks, you may wish to use condoms to reduce the risk of infection.\n\nCondoms offer the best protection against other STDs and STIs as well, which is important in a new relationship. Since herpes does not pose a serious health risk, some couples choose not to use condoms in a long-term relationship."
414966
Viruses have to take their course as horrible as they are. Norwalk is the most virulent virus and easily passed on, if someone touches something who hasn't washed their hands after being sick or using the loo then you touch it and then eat or bite your nails you can get it, also coughing & sneezing into the hand and just wipping it down themselves than shake your hand is a way of getting it and other viruses. Wash your hands after flushing and always before you eat. Dont use anything to bung yourself up with just let your body expell all the bad stuff.
590332
Actually a large percentage of people that carry the herpes-2 virus never have outbreaks or show any symptoms,  yet they can still transmit the virus, although it may take a long time for them to transmit it.  It is liklely that he has had it for a long time, and is an asymptomatic carrier.  This is quite common, and is one of the reasons why herpes spreads so easily and is now so widespread (1 in 5 adults, and 1 in four women in the US now have it).  So he could be telling you the truth.\n\nIt is also possible that you had it for a long time and are just now having an outbreak.  This occurs typicaly when your immunce system is suppressed, by another virus, or by high levels of stress (such as getting married etc.).  This scenario is somewhat less likely however, statistically speaking.\n\nStart here for more info:\n\nhttp://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm\n\nClick on the various links and read up on this as much as you can.
293900
emillea is right - He is at risk of contracting oral herpes. That other answer is wrong about you not getting cold sores from genital herpes. Type 1 and 2 can both cause the same results. They can both cause oral or genital herpes. And even when you have no symptoms, the virus may be shedding. You can take prescription valtrex which can help suppress your symptoms, but even with that it is still possible to spread the virus. I know this stinks, only God can heal someone of genital herpes. But I believe all things are possible with Him.  Until He does it, use wisdom.
31424
Drink lots of fluids, orange juice to be specific.  If you drink plenty of fluids, then you can urinate the virus out.  Also, get plenty of sleep.
148119
Are you fevered???\n\nIf yes, I would advise you to stay away from the pool if it's open to the public. If it's your private pool, I don't see what the prob would be.\n\nBe careful though, if your shingles is open...you don't want to get this in youe eyes!!!
373663
Its the start of viral herpes.\n\nCoach