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Can Herpes Be Transmitted Through Injections?

Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015

Question: I just was informed my partner has herpes on her back and nowhere else has it ever broken out. She said she got it in Russia at the hospital on her buttock after receiving an injection when she was getting her tonsils out? Is this really possible. Also I touched her back are where their are previous small red scars, very small jut three, not open. Can I catch this now, I am reall scared and how do I get tested. Will this also mean I am at risk always when intimacy is involved

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
transmission requires contact with the virus

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

herpes cannot be transmitted with injections, if that's what you implied. Herpes on the back is usually shingles which is caused by reactivation of Varicella-Zoster-Virus (VZV - chickenpox). In any case transmission is much more likely when active lesions are evident but it may also occur (albeit not so easy) even without visible lesions.

Please keep in mind though that both herpes simplex virus (HSV) and VZV are very common and almost every adult has come into contact with them in the past by having either chickenpox or a cold sore. Of course you should avoid contact of visible lesions with the genitals because HSV can be transmitted to mucosal surfaces or skin lesions with direct contact even if you've had a cold sore in the past (it won't protect you against new transmission). Intact skin (not mucosa) reduces the chances of transmission.

I hope you find this information helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (43 minutes later)

Thanks Dr Zografrakas, I am concerned this a herpes type 2 STD not shingles. I have seen shingles but as I stated as I was told from my partner she never has broken out anywhere else ie genital, vaginal or anal areas.Is it considered genital herpes on the buttocks called sacral herpes type 2 but the literature also state type 1 can also cause the infection on the buttock , it also says you can catch it from towels sheets etc even when there is no active breakout. Is this possible?

If we share soaps, wash clothes, ? How long does the virus live on a surface ie sheet clothes etc?

For example asymptomatic shedding

What is the prodrome phase?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
indirect transmission is difficult

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

If it's around the anus then it's probably due to sexual contact. It could be HSV 1 or HSV 2. HSV 2 is related to sexual transmission but you can never be sure.
Indirect transmission is possible if infected fluids come into contact with mucosal surfaces. Keep in mind though that the herpes virus is not very hard to kill. It dies soon after getting out of the body or being washed.
Asymptomatic shedding is possible and may cause transmission. If you'd like to reduce the chances of transmission then the infected partner should have to take low dose prophylactic antiviral treatment.

The prodrome phase is the stage between transmission and blister formation.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 hours later)

What is the best low dose prophylactic treatment Zovirax???

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Valacyclovir 500mg

Detailed Answer:
I would go for valacyclovir 500mg per day. It has been found to halve the risk of transmission.

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar