Can You Get Herpes Without Sex?

The herpes virus will enter the body through the skin and various mucous membranes, as such the most common causes of transmission are kissing and direct skin to skin contact during oral, vaginal and anal sex. However during a herpes outbreak when the virus is most contagious it is possible to transmit the disease through manual contact. During an outbreak the blisters sores secrete fluid that has a high viral load and is extremely contagious. If you happen to touch an active sore and get this fluid on your fingers and then proceed to touch a mucous membrane such as the eyes or mouth or genitals you can easily spread the virus there. Transmission through inanimate objects is far less likely given the short lifespan of the virus outside the body.

Note: This article is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your specific condition.