Are you afraid that you’ll catch herpes? Can herpes be transmitted by sharing a towel? How can I avoid herpes? These questions might be going around in your mind lately. Don’t worry, ArkLinen Store is here to answer these questions for you in this article.
Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is common. There are two types of herpes. HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1) is most commonly responsible for oral herpes. HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus type 2) usually causes genital herpes.
Both types of herpes can be transmitted through intimate contact with the skin, bodily fluids saliva, vaginal secretions, and the semen of the person who has the virus. Oral herpes can also be transmitted through contaminated hard objects such as a toothbrush, lipstick, and cup.
What Can You Get of a Dirty Towel?
First, let me answer your question: Can you get herpes by sharing a towel? The answer is NO. Porous surfaces like towels are not conducive to herpes growth. You can't get genital or oral herpes by using another person's towel.
Although herpes cannot be transmitted using a damp towel, germs can be spread by this method. Keeping proper hygiene and using a clean towel will ensure that you won’t catch a serious skin condition.
These germs, and others, can live longer on porous surfaces such as fabric than they do on hard, porous ones. If a towel is newly soiled, it may expose you to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You must avoid touching towels that have been contaminated with vomit, blood, or urine. To protect yourself from contagions, you should wash your hands well and clean up after touching any towel that has been touched.
If you’re concerned about sharing a towel, you might as well try ArkLinen Store’s bathroom products. If you prefer to have a warm bath before you go to sleep, we have luxury bath towel sets, luxury bath sheets, luxury hand towels, and a luxury bathrobe which are luxurious but affordable.
How Does Herpes Spread?
HSV-1 as well as HSV-2 can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. Infected saliva can transmit oral herpes (HSV-1). Oral herpes is a common condition in adults. It has been estimated that between 50 and 80 percent of them have it. Cold sores on the lips are the main symptoms. Johns Hopkins Medicine states that oral herpes can spread through touching infected saliva-covered objects. Oral herpes can be transmitted by kissing and oral genital contact. You can get genital herpes from HSV-1 through oral sex.
Oral HSV-1 is not technically an STI. Many HSV-1 cases are contracted in childhood through non-sexual activities. Children are less likely to use their noses or cough when they're older than adults. HSV-1 can be spread easily by sharing hard objects. They can also spread the virus from close contact between themselves and adults.
HSV-2 (Genital Herpes), enters the body via contact with mucous membranes and/or an open wound in the skin. HSV-2 is transmitted through intimate sexual activity such as vaginal sex and anal sex. HSV-2 can be transmitted by kissing, although it is unlikely to occur.
Congenital herpes refers to herpes that is present at birth. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are both possible to pass from a pregnant woman to an unborn baby. A birth parent could transmit herpes to an unborn child by giving vaginal birth. Although this is less common, the virus can affect a pregnant fetus in-utero.
How to Avoid Getting Herpes?
HSV-1 is transmitted mainly by oral-to-oral contact. You should not kiss your partner if you have an impending or active cold sore. You should be aware of symptoms such as a burning, tingling, or itchy sensation on your lips, open or closed blisters, and oozing cold spots. The virus can also spread via sexual activity. Avoid oral-genital contact during active outbreaks. This will reduce your chances of contracting or acquiring the herpes virus.
Avoid oral, anal, and vaginal sex if you are sexually active during an active herpes epidemic.
Remember that the herpes virus can also be shed from the skin. A condom won't protect you against the herpes virus. However, certain medications may be helpful. Talk to your doctor about the anti-herpes medications that you can use every day to reduce or eliminate your chances of getting bitten again.
If you’re interested in a more comfortable hot steamy night with your partner, you can try to use ArkLinen Store’s different types of cotton sheets. We have king-size sheets or if you prefer patterned bed sheets which are the best fabric to sleep on. We also offer luxury duvet sets and cotton-filled comforters are the best breathable comforter out there in the market.
How to Prevent Genital Herpes in Pregnancy?
It is important to avoid genital herpes in pregnancy if you or your partner are pregnant. To reduce the chance of transmission, avoid skin-to-skin contact if herpes sores develop. Also, condoms should be used even if there are no obvious genital herpes lesions.
The risk of a baby contracting genital herpes in the third trimester is higher if the mother becomes infected. It is recommended to avoid having sex during the third trimester with an infected partner. Antiviral medications are usually prescribed to mothers if herpes symptoms occur during pregnancy. If the infection is severe, it is best to have the baby delivered via Caesarean section.
If you have had a recurring episode of genital herpes, there is less chance of the baby contracting it. Cesarean sections are not recommended for women who have genital herpes sores. To reduce the chance of an outbreak, antiviral medications may be administered in the final weeks of pregnancy to women who have recurrent genital herpes. To prevent infection, babies are closely monitored after birth.
Can I Transmit Herpes to My Baby While Pregnant?
It is possible that the herpes virus can be transmitted to a baby during pregnancy. The vast majority of women who have genital herpes experience normal pregnancies, and they give birth to healthy babies. You can transmit the virus via:
- the placenta if your baby is still inside and has not come out of the womb. This usually occurs if the mother has her first-ever herpes infection in the third trimester.
- Delivery. If the mother is experiencing symptoms or is already shedding the virus, it will be during or after delivery.
- After birth (through skin-to-skin contact).
Luckily, women who have genital herpes before falling pregnant and those who are infested early in pregnancy have a little risk of passing the virus on to their babies, because their body has constructed up antibodies to the virus. These antibodies cross the placenta to defend the baby.
If you’re interested in making your bedroom comfortable, you can use ArkLinen Store’s 200-thread count satin stripe fabric oxford pillowcase to cover your pillows to aid you in sleeping during the daytime and nighttime. If you prefer linen products, we have linen pillows and a linen bedspread that increases the comfort of your sleep or your newborn baby.
Conclusion
As like what we talked about throughout the article, you can’t get herpes just by sharing a towel nor a dirty towel can transmit either form of herpes. However, it is a necessity to use clean towels to avoid catching other serious skin conditions.
Let’s recall what we learn about herpes. Oral Herpes (HSV-1) in which is quite usual for about 50 and 80 percent of adults. Oral herpes can be transmitted through contact between the mouth and the oral cavity. Oral-to-genital contact can also transmit herpes. Genital herpes (HSV-2) is transmitted through sexual activity, which includes oral and anal sex, as well as vaginal sex.
We at ArkLinen Store provide quality products that are used by hotels, restaurants, and households since 2020. We can offer different kinds of bedroom products, bathroom robe, washcloths, handtowels, bathroom sheets, and linen napkin which you can use in your bathroom, kitchen, and to your bedroom.
If you’re curious, you can check our website at Arklinen and see if our products are to your liking.