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How Long Can HSV Remain Dormant In A Person?
Question: This has to do with scenarios related to the fact that my sister has HSV-2 + is living with family members. She has this of the buttock region and we are worried that since she had a stroke that she could carelessly get this on other parts of her body (arms) after she uses the restroom.
1. Can a person be symptomatic one place, and asymptomatic another place? Like if the virus passed to their arms, would the symptoms show up eventually if passed?
2. Can the virus only shed 10% of the time via a mucous membrane or a cut? Or can it also shed inbetween
(or before) outbreaks on regular skin?
3. Can some people be carriers of HSV-2 for life and never have symptoms?
4. If a person caught that virus on a wound on their hand could they transfer the virus a few hours later to hands or other objects a few hours later?
5. Can the virus be caught from cut to cut on a handshake?
6. How long can the virus live outside the body via water? blood? urine? saliva? I have read that it can survive in water for up to 4 hours. If it can survive this long via this way or more than a few seconds is this contagious?
7. Is the virus only found in the blood during an initial infection?
8. How long can the virus live in your body after it gets into your body? (I just had a test for HSV-2 but if after possible exposure would it take awhile before it invades the cells?)
9. How can people not know if they have had an outbreak?
10. If the virus can live for hours in bodily fluids and water outside the body, can it pass around the household? e.g. Moist skin, damp tub, sink, blood, and back to the skin? Or would it die traveling this route eventually? Can the virus ENTER or LIVE in dead cells that are in the commode? (we moved a few months ago and the commode had this caked on mold and mildew in it, I cleaned the outside of it, but it was awhile before I found the proper provisions to clean the inside of the bowl or that I even cared to touch it - I cannot remember if I poured cleaner in it. I am thinking that I might not have and thus just cleaned it later now I am worried that the virus could have lived in dead cells in there and could have infected me later. Could the water splashing with this be infectious? If so for how long?) This last question is really worrying me.
We all here that "it can only be spread by skin to skin contact so my family and I should be careful hugging my sister - she is haphazard since the stroke and might not tell us if its on her arms or if she is not careful via other living situations.
I did not see that you had an infectious disease specialist. If you need to look up information this way that is fine.
Yes, can viruses invade or live on dead cells and if so for how long?
1. Can a person be symptomatic one place, and asymptomatic another place? Like if the virus passed to their arms, would the symptoms show up eventually if passed?
2. Can the virus only shed 10% of the time via a mucous membrane or a cut? Or can it also shed inbetween
(or before) outbreaks on regular skin?
3. Can some people be carriers of HSV-2 for life and never have symptoms?
4. If a person caught that virus on a wound on their hand could they transfer the virus a few hours later to hands or other objects a few hours later?
5. Can the virus be caught from cut to cut on a handshake?
6. How long can the virus live outside the body via water? blood? urine? saliva? I have read that it can survive in water for up to 4 hours. If it can survive this long via this way or more than a few seconds is this contagious?
7. Is the virus only found in the blood during an initial infection?
8. How long can the virus live in your body after it gets into your body? (I just had a test for HSV-2 but if after possible exposure would it take awhile before it invades the cells?)
9. How can people not know if they have had an outbreak?
10. If the virus can live for hours in bodily fluids and water outside the body, can it pass around the household? e.g. Moist skin, damp tub, sink, blood, and back to the skin? Or would it die traveling this route eventually? Can the virus ENTER or LIVE in dead cells that are in the commode? (we moved a few months ago and the commode had this caked on mold and mildew in it, I cleaned the outside of it, but it was awhile before I found the proper provisions to clean the inside of the bowl or that I even cared to touch it - I cannot remember if I poured cleaner in it. I am thinking that I might not have and thus just cleaned it later now I am worried that the virus could have lived in dead cells in there and could have infected me later. Could the water splashing with this be infectious? If so for how long?) This last question is really worrying me.
We all here that "it can only be spread by skin to skin contact so my family and I should be careful hugging my sister - she is haphazard since the stroke and might not tell us if its on her arms or if she is not careful via other living situations.
I did not see that you had an infectious disease specialist. If you need to look up information this way that is fine.
Yes, can viruses invade or live on dead cells and if so for how long?
Brief Answer:
Sequentially answered all of your queries. Please have a look !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HCM and I appreciate your concerns. I have thoroughly reviewed your health query to see the doubts that need clarifications.
Yes, they can be asymptomatic at some places and symptomatic at others. Like usually HSV-1 mostly shows symptoms at oral areas like lips . HSV-2 shows symptoms of genital areas. But they may show symptoms on both sites too. If someone has the disease, no matter if she has symptomatic outbreaks on all parts of body or not, she may pass it along to others with touch. Research studies carried out in NYC reveals that majority of university students were unaware of their disease as they were asymptomatic (subclinical) and showed positive on our research diagnostic studies.
Even if a person is subclinical (asymptomatic) virus can still shedd and infect others.
Virus can be transferred even if there are no symptomatic lesions. But usually the virus is shed from the mucosal linings and sores/cuts/blisters. Secretions (genital and oral) can also spread the infectious virus and yes the hands then become a vector when there are leftover secretions on them no matter they have a symptomatic lesion on hands or not.
Once HSV infection occurs, the virus may remain for years (we call it is in latent state) and the rest house for virus is neuronal cell bodies in ganglia of nerves. These virus can reactivate due to many factors anytime in life.
Yes, open sores and wounds can transfer the virus this way. Skin abrasions may also infect others.
Not all the time virus remain actively in blood. We use the term Viremia for virus in blood and happens less frequently. Mostly the virus inhabit the mucosal surfaces of orolabial and genital areas. In stagnant and low volume of water contaminated with virus, it may be the same as getting the virus directly, if used that water especially touching the mucosal surfaces.
After the possible exposure, virus may take a period of almost 2 weeks to show up. It may be called as incubation period.
In outbreaks there are usually the symptomatic lesions on oral or genital areas.
Don't worry about your last question. It is usually not the case how the virus spreads and infects. In running water the viral load is negligible to none. You are good to go with all that described in your last question. Skin to skin transmission is the way how virus spreads (kissing, hugging, genital and oral contact in any form--most common ways of spread).
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Sequentially answered all of your queries. Please have a look !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HCM and I appreciate your concerns. I have thoroughly reviewed your health query to see the doubts that need clarifications.
Yes, they can be asymptomatic at some places and symptomatic at others. Like usually HSV-1 mostly shows symptoms at oral areas like lips . HSV-2 shows symptoms of genital areas. But they may show symptoms on both sites too. If someone has the disease, no matter if she has symptomatic outbreaks on all parts of body or not, she may pass it along to others with touch. Research studies carried out in NYC reveals that majority of university students were unaware of their disease as they were asymptomatic (subclinical) and showed positive on our research diagnostic studies.
Even if a person is subclinical (asymptomatic) virus can still shedd and infect others.
Virus can be transferred even if there are no symptomatic lesions. But usually the virus is shed from the mucosal linings and sores/cuts/blisters. Secretions (genital and oral) can also spread the infectious virus and yes the hands then become a vector when there are leftover secretions on them no matter they have a symptomatic lesion on hands or not.
Once HSV infection occurs, the virus may remain for years (we call it is in latent state) and the rest house for virus is neuronal cell bodies in ganglia of nerves. These virus can reactivate due to many factors anytime in life.
Yes, open sores and wounds can transfer the virus this way. Skin abrasions may also infect others.
Not all the time virus remain actively in blood. We use the term Viremia for virus in blood and happens less frequently. Mostly the virus inhabit the mucosal surfaces of orolabial and genital areas. In stagnant and low volume of water contaminated with virus, it may be the same as getting the virus directly, if used that water especially touching the mucosal surfaces.
After the possible exposure, virus may take a period of almost 2 weeks to show up. It may be called as incubation period.
In outbreaks there are usually the symptomatic lesions on oral or genital areas.
Don't worry about your last question. It is usually not the case how the virus spreads and infects. In running water the viral load is negligible to none. You are good to go with all that described in your last question. Skin to skin transmission is the way how virus spreads (kissing, hugging, genital and oral contact in any form--most common ways of spread).
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Dr. XXXXXXX Hanif
So the virus cannot live or infect dead cells that are on the commode? The reason why I am worried is because it was awhile before I could clean it. The mildew was so stuck on the bowl that it took awhile for the water washing over it to softed it. I did not even touch it or clean it until later. So the virus cannot live or infect dead cells? I am worried that dead cells could have been trapped in the mildew.
I read that the ebola virus can live on dead Monkey carcasses for one week? I suppose even if the HSV-2 infected dead cells in the commode it would not have lasted for than a week.
I am worried that infected cells with the virus could have stayed in the commode because there was so much mildew stuck in there. The water might not have been able to wash it all away. However if you tell me that viruses cannot live or infect dead cells, I will feel much better. Thanks.
If I was exposed to the virus 16 weeks ago does it infect the body the moment that it enters it? Like if it entered my body 16 weeks ago antibodies would have shown up by now? Or would the virus linger around in the body before it started to make the antibodies?
So the virus cannot live or infect dead cells that are on the commode? The reason why I am worried is because it was awhile before I could clean it. The mildew was so stuck on the bowl that it took awhile for the water washing over it to softed it. I did not even touch it or clean it until later. So the virus cannot live or infect dead cells? I am worried that dead cells could have been trapped in the mildew.
I read that the ebola virus can live on dead Monkey carcasses for one week? I suppose even if the HSV-2 infected dead cells in the commode it would not have lasted for than a week.
I am worried that infected cells with the virus could have stayed in the commode because there was so much mildew stuck in there. The water might not have been able to wash it all away. However if you tell me that viruses cannot live or infect dead cells, I will feel much better. Thanks.
If I was exposed to the virus 16 weeks ago does it infect the body the moment that it enters it? Like if it entered my body 16 weeks ago antibodies would have shown up by now? Or would the virus linger around in the body before it started to make the antibodies?
Brief Answer:
Antibodies start forming in start of infection and remain indefinitely !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and I am happy to clear some of the doubts you have.
The way how life cycle of the virus works is:
Virus first attacks the host cell and in case of HSV it is living human. Virus attacks host's cell and nucleus in particular. There it takes the hold of human cell genome making viral progeny by using the host cell's DNA and RNA machinery, making the necessary proteins needed to extend the life cycle and viral shedding is the process where it infects the other humans and attaches to the mucosal surfaces there and then.
IN SIMPLE WORDS, SUGGESTION in this case is that, you are safe as far as this commode is concerned, no matter it was shared and mildew was on there. Please relax and keep the lifecycle reference in mind whenever stress or anxiety prevails regarding this specific issue.
When we take viral samples from genital lesions, we directly place the specimens in the tissue culture media. And there they grow and show up in results.
Yes, it infects the body the moment it enters the body. The prodrome phase or the Incubation period is the time from infecting a person to the real time appearance of symptoms of disease. Antibodies typically start forming in the very first weeks of infection and remain in body of infected person lifelong.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Antibodies start forming in start of infection and remain indefinitely !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and I am happy to clear some of the doubts you have.
The way how life cycle of the virus works is:
Virus first attacks the host cell and in case of HSV it is living human. Virus attacks host's cell and nucleus in particular. There it takes the hold of human cell genome making viral progeny by using the host cell's DNA and RNA machinery, making the necessary proteins needed to extend the life cycle and viral shedding is the process where it infects the other humans and attaches to the mucosal surfaces there and then.
IN SIMPLE WORDS, SUGGESTION in this case is that, you are safe as far as this commode is concerned, no matter it was shared and mildew was on there. Please relax and keep the lifecycle reference in mind whenever stress or anxiety prevails regarding this specific issue.
When we take viral samples from genital lesions, we directly place the specimens in the tissue culture media. And there they grow and show up in results.
Yes, it infects the body the moment it enters the body. The prodrome phase or the Incubation period is the time from infecting a person to the real time appearance of symptoms of disease. Antibodies typically start forming in the very first weeks of infection and remain in body of infected person lifelong.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
So the commode water would have washed down viruses and if infected dead cells
- even if lots of mildew - was there?
Can a virus even infect a wet dead cell? I would like to know. How long do they live in tissue cultures?
I graduated a straight A student in graduate school. It could be why my mind won't let it all go until I know for sure. Thanks.
- even if lots of mildew - was there?
Can a virus even infect a wet dead cell? I would like to know. How long do they live in tissue cultures?
I graduated a straight A student in graduate school. It could be why my mind won't let it all go until I know for sure. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Not possibly infective in commode's case!!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome!
Yes, it must have been washed away, if any were there.
They only can live in specified tissue cultures. We make in histopathology labs, special cultures to provide the environment for them to grow and show up in results. Not possibly in your scenario.
Please relax and feel calm regarding the issue. Still then, if you have any queries, of course I am here to help. Congrats on graduation by the way. Best of luck for your future endeavors.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Not possibly infective in commode's case!!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome!
Yes, it must have been washed away, if any were there.
They only can live in specified tissue cultures. We make in histopathology labs, special cultures to provide the environment for them to grow and show up in results. Not possibly in your scenario.
Please relax and feel calm regarding the issue. Still then, if you have any queries, of course I am here to help. Congrats on graduation by the way. Best of luck for your future endeavors.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
So viruses cannot live or infect dead (or fresh) cells in the commode?
It seems like they could for about a week.
And because the commode was so dirty I am afraid that cells or viruses could have gotten stuck in the mildew. I suppose even it they had they would not have survived for more than a few hours. NIH states that the virus can live for 4 hours in water.
However,
If the viruses or infected cells did get stuck in the mildew (and the commode was pretty bad when I moved in) how long would they live for?
It seems like they could for about a week.
And because the commode was so dirty I am afraid that cells or viruses could have gotten stuck in the mildew. I suppose even it they had they would not have survived for more than a few hours. NIH states that the virus can live for 4 hours in water.
However,
If the viruses or infected cells did get stuck in the mildew (and the commode was pretty bad when I moved in) how long would they live for?
Brief Answer:
Many factors affect the viral life in water !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again!
It is actually called the non-venereal spread of virus (HSV) and this is very much dependant on many factors including:
* UV light exposure--That kills viruses through cross-linking the viral genome.
* pH--appropriate and to remain the same is needed for growth and survival of virus.
* Temperature--high temp kills them.
*And most importantly there is a need to be SKIN ABRASION for the virus to get entered. Not only this factor, there is also a condition of ENOUGH VIRAL LOAD needed to get in and infect the human body.
Yes, viruses can live for up to 4-4.5 hours but if there is enough of the requirements available for their life. No One can say how long they have had been there in commode before getting killed. Even a single exposure to UV-light may kill them in no time.
Gush of blood takes the viral load to minimum. Also it is less likely that there was an abrasion on the skin and that had been rubbed for enough time to transmit the viruses.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Many factors affect the viral life in water !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again!
It is actually called the non-venereal spread of virus (HSV) and this is very much dependant on many factors including:
* UV light exposure--That kills viruses through cross-linking the viral genome.
* pH--appropriate and to remain the same is needed for growth and survival of virus.
* Temperature--high temp kills them.
*And most importantly there is a need to be SKIN ABRASION for the virus to get entered. Not only this factor, there is also a condition of ENOUGH VIRAL LOAD needed to get in and infect the human body.
Yes, viruses can live for up to 4-4.5 hours but if there is enough of the requirements available for their life. No One can say how long they have had been there in commode before getting killed. Even a single exposure to UV-light may kill them in no time.
Gush of blood takes the viral load to minimum. Also it is less likely that there was an abrasion on the skin and that had been rubbed for enough time to transmit the viruses.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Lets say that the HSV-2 virus entered the body in December but did not actually infect the body until January. Then the test for the antibodies should be calculated from January. How long does the virus live in the body before it infects the body?
So the viruses could have lived in the commode on cells or in the water for awhile but probably not more than a week or two? There is no way to know for sure? (If the ebola virus can only live in a dead carcass for one week it seems that other viruses are similiar.)
I am starting to think that I should just keep my place really clean and just get tested 6 months from now. I had the test 4 months after possible tactile exposure but if what you state is true then the test is not very accurate.
Could the virus live longer in fresh or dead cells versus just by itself?
Would it live in a cell for only 4 - 5 hours too?
So the viruses could have lived in the commode on cells or in the water for awhile but probably not more than a week or two? There is no way to know for sure? (If the ebola virus can only live in a dead carcass for one week it seems that other viruses are similiar.)
I am starting to think that I should just keep my place really clean and just get tested 6 months from now. I had the test 4 months after possible tactile exposure but if what you state is true then the test is not very accurate.
Could the virus live longer in fresh or dead cells versus just by itself?
Would it live in a cell for only 4 - 5 hours too?
Brief Answer:
2-10 days is the incubation period mostly for HSV !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back. Happy to assist you with the follow up.
Virus can stay cool inside the body for about 2-10 or sometimes 12 days before the appearance of the symptoms of the disease. Meanwhile the virus can be detected by PCR.
All viruses aren't the same ones. There is a way to find out if the virus infected you or not. We can screen you again for the presence. As far as to know how long it have been scarcely present in commode, this will be a useless information compared to your screening.
That is a superb idea to keep the area clean. It will help you remain healthy.
Virus can't live by itself. It needs proteins and specific environment to live on. In a cell as I stated earlier, the HSV remains even for lifelong residing in the ganglion cells of nerves.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
2-10 days is the incubation period mostly for HSV !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back. Happy to assist you with the follow up.
Virus can stay cool inside the body for about 2-10 or sometimes 12 days before the appearance of the symptoms of the disease. Meanwhile the virus can be detected by PCR.
All viruses aren't the same ones. There is a way to find out if the virus infected you or not. We can screen you again for the presence. As far as to know how long it have been scarcely present in commode, this will be a useless information compared to your screening.
That is a superb idea to keep the area clean. It will help you remain healthy.
Virus can't live by itself. It needs proteins and specific environment to live on. In a cell as I stated earlier, the HSV remains even for lifelong residing in the ganglion cells of nerves.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
So the virus would infect the body within 2 - 10 days once it enters? (is that what incubations means?)
The viruses cannot live in mold and mildew can they?
I was worried about the virus infecting dead cells in the commode because it was so dirty but it cannot? (or it living in fresh cells but they cannot?) You never really answered this question.
For some reason I am worried sick about this. I am supppose to start this internship and I am throwing up every morning. My stomach is killing me.
I feel near a nervous breakdown. I ask God why did this happen?
The viruses cannot live in mold and mildew can they?
I was worried about the virus infecting dead cells in the commode because it was so dirty but it cannot? (or it living in fresh cells but they cannot?) You never really answered this question.
For some reason I am worried sick about this. I am supppose to start this internship and I am throwing up every morning. My stomach is killing me.
I feel near a nervous breakdown. I ask God why did this happen?
Brief Answer:
The stomach issues warrant a Gastroenterologist consultation !!!
Detailed Answer:
Incubation period means "the time period between two events 1. When a person is exposed to disease causing virus (here HSV) 2. The appearance of the first symptom.
***The viruses cannot live in mold and mildew can they?
ANS: Less likely.
***I was worried about the virus infecting dead cells in the commode because it was so dirty but it cannot? (or it living in fresh cells but they cannot??
ANS: Virus can only reside, infect and live on the living cells having genome, protein forming machinery including RNA, ribosomes and certain enzymes. It usually infects and lives in living cells for longer, divides there and makes the progeny viruses.
***For some reason I am worried sick about this. I am supposed to start this internship and I am throwing up every morning. My stomach is killing me.
I feel near a nervous breakdown. I ask God why did this happen?
ANS: Other than RECURRENT TYPE there are two main types of infections with HSV (1 & 2)…. 1. Primary 2. Non primary.
The primary infection shows local lesions and some systemic symptoms including but not limited to: muscle pains, fever, headache, general weakness, painful lymph nodes, local pain at the genital or oral lesions areas and some urinary issues.
Throwing up, stomach pains etc are not typical symptoms of HSV infections. It may be just the anxiety from the illness of your sister that presumably is affecting your stomach. Other causes can seriously be related to the Gastrointestinal tract including gastroenteritis-the bacterial infection or peptic ulcer disease.
For stomach issues I strongly suggest you to consult a Gastroenterologist for thorough evaluation and management. He is the personnel trained to treat such cases with success. He will have the advantage of physical examination and will run of course a battery of tests on you to rule out the major causes of the symptoms.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
The stomach issues warrant a Gastroenterologist consultation !!!
Detailed Answer:
Incubation period means "the time period between two events 1. When a person is exposed to disease causing virus (here HSV) 2. The appearance of the first symptom.
***The viruses cannot live in mold and mildew can they?
ANS: Less likely.
***I was worried about the virus infecting dead cells in the commode because it was so dirty but it cannot? (or it living in fresh cells but they cannot??
ANS: Virus can only reside, infect and live on the living cells having genome, protein forming machinery including RNA, ribosomes and certain enzymes. It usually infects and lives in living cells for longer, divides there and makes the progeny viruses.
***For some reason I am worried sick about this. I am supposed to start this internship and I am throwing up every morning. My stomach is killing me.
I feel near a nervous breakdown. I ask God why did this happen?
ANS: Other than RECURRENT TYPE there are two main types of infections with HSV (1 & 2)…. 1. Primary 2. Non primary.
The primary infection shows local lesions and some systemic symptoms including but not limited to: muscle pains, fever, headache, general weakness, painful lymph nodes, local pain at the genital or oral lesions areas and some urinary issues.
Throwing up, stomach pains etc are not typical symptoms of HSV infections. It may be just the anxiety from the illness of your sister that presumably is affecting your stomach. Other causes can seriously be related to the Gastrointestinal tract including gastroenteritis-the bacterial infection or peptic ulcer disease.
For stomach issues I strongly suggest you to consult a Gastroenterologist for thorough evaluation and management. He is the personnel trained to treat such cases with success. He will have the advantage of physical examination and will run of course a battery of tests on you to rule out the major causes of the symptoms.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dr. Hanif,
How long can the HSV-2 virus live in fresh blood? I know that it only enters the bloodstream at initial infection, but if some of it were on the sink with the virus how long would this be infectious outside of the body? My aunt's nurse told us to "be careful with blood". I imagine that it can only live for a few hours in blood outside of the body but I would like to know.
To make a long story short, how long can a person carry the virus before they have outbreaks? Are some people HSV-2 carriers for life? So if we were ever exposed to my sister who might have this on her arms from hugging her more than likely eventually we would have outbreaks? Or maybe we never would have outbreaks even if we caught it from her this way?
I read on line the 1 in 5 people have HSV-2 in the U.S. anyway.
How long can the HSV-2 virus live in fresh blood? I know that it only enters the bloodstream at initial infection, but if some of it were on the sink with the virus how long would this be infectious outside of the body? My aunt's nurse told us to "be careful with blood". I imagine that it can only live for a few hours in blood outside of the body but I would like to know.
To make a long story short, how long can a person carry the virus before they have outbreaks? Are some people HSV-2 carriers for life? So if we were ever exposed to my sister who might have this on her arms from hugging her more than likely eventually we would have outbreaks? Or maybe we never would have outbreaks even if we caught it from her this way?
I read on line the 1 in 5 people have HSV-2 in the U.S. anyway.
Brief Answer:
Ganglia of nerves are reservoirs of HSV for XXXXXXX time !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back. My pleasure that I have sequentially answered your queries Miss XXXX!
***How long can the HSV-2 virus live in fresh blood?
ANS::- HSV enters the blood and travels to the surface epithelial cells and Nucleus is attacked by it so as to take control of the host cell's genome to make viral progeny.
***I know that it only enters the bloodstream at initial infection, but if some of it were on the sink with the virus how long would this be infectious outside of the body? My aunt's nurse told us to "be careful with blood". I imagine that it can only live for a few hours in blood outside of the body but I would like to know.
ANS::- It is very unlikely to be spread through blood first coming out of the patient's body and staying on the commode, and then infecting a person with viruses in blood. It is very unlikely route. What your aunt's nurse meant was remain away from fresh blood that usually means the open sores when we talk about HSV as that is the highest time of viral shedding.
Also you need to be careful of blood on test strips of a patient, injection syringes, blades and safety razors, towels and toothbrushes and toothpastes as there are also blood products on them.
***To make a long story short, how long can a person carry the virus before they have outbreaks?
ANS::- It may take about 2-12 days for the first outbreak after exposure to the virus. Average may be 4 days according to daily clinical practices.
***Are some people HSV-2 carriers for life? So if we were ever exposed to my sister who might have this on her arms from hugging her more than likely eventually we would have outbreaks? Or maybe we never would have outbreaks even if we caught it from her this way?
ANS::- Yes the virus can remain in body (ganglia of the nerves) for XXXXXXX time.
Not all the patients have the outbreaks no matter they have virus in them (as aforementioned today that college students we researched never had been diagnosed and were unfamiliar of the results we got and showed them that they were positive for HSV--They never had genital or orolabial lesions).
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Ganglia of nerves are reservoirs of HSV for XXXXXXX time !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back. My pleasure that I have sequentially answered your queries Miss XXXX!
***How long can the HSV-2 virus live in fresh blood?
ANS::- HSV enters the blood and travels to the surface epithelial cells and Nucleus is attacked by it so as to take control of the host cell's genome to make viral progeny.
***I know that it only enters the bloodstream at initial infection, but if some of it were on the sink with the virus how long would this be infectious outside of the body? My aunt's nurse told us to "be careful with blood". I imagine that it can only live for a few hours in blood outside of the body but I would like to know.
ANS::- It is very unlikely to be spread through blood first coming out of the patient's body and staying on the commode, and then infecting a person with viruses in blood. It is very unlikely route. What your aunt's nurse meant was remain away from fresh blood that usually means the open sores when we talk about HSV as that is the highest time of viral shedding.
Also you need to be careful of blood on test strips of a patient, injection syringes, blades and safety razors, towels and toothbrushes and toothpastes as there are also blood products on them.
***To make a long story short, how long can a person carry the virus before they have outbreaks?
ANS::- It may take about 2-12 days for the first outbreak after exposure to the virus. Average may be 4 days according to daily clinical practices.
***Are some people HSV-2 carriers for life? So if we were ever exposed to my sister who might have this on her arms from hugging her more than likely eventually we would have outbreaks? Or maybe we never would have outbreaks even if we caught it from her this way?
ANS::- Yes the virus can remain in body (ganglia of the nerves) for XXXXXXX time.
Not all the patients have the outbreaks no matter they have virus in them (as aforementioned today that college students we researched never had been diagnosed and were unfamiliar of the results we got and showed them that they were positive for HSV--They never had genital or orolabial lesions).
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Well, my "commode exposure" happened last December so if I was exposed
then this test that I had last Monday would have showed antibodies - 17 weeks after. I got a "negative" result.
Unless the virus can live in the body for awhile before infecting the cells?
So once the virus enters the body the virus invades the cells within 2 - 10 days?
Most website state that its takes 12 - 16 weeks for antibodies to show up after exposure.
If the virus was found in blood outside the body how long would it live? Maybe it would live less if it were found in water since it would be diluted?
Part of my concerns stem from the fact that since my sister had her stroke, she is VERY careless. It saddens me so much that all of this happened to her.
So if blood particles were in the commode the virus might be able to live longer than the 4 hours it can usually live in water?
I suppose that I should enroll in a class for this with all of these questions!
then this test that I had last Monday would have showed antibodies - 17 weeks after. I got a "negative" result.
Unless the virus can live in the body for awhile before infecting the cells?
So once the virus enters the body the virus invades the cells within 2 - 10 days?
Most website state that its takes 12 - 16 weeks for antibodies to show up after exposure.
If the virus was found in blood outside the body how long would it live? Maybe it would live less if it were found in water since it would be diluted?
Part of my concerns stem from the fact that since my sister had her stroke, she is VERY careless. It saddens me so much that all of this happened to her.
So if blood particles were in the commode the virus might be able to live longer than the 4 hours it can usually live in water?
I suppose that I should enroll in a class for this with all of these questions!
Brief Answer:
Details are sequenced accordingly !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back Miss XXXX!
***Well, my "commode exposure" happened last December so if I was exposed
then this test that I had last Monday would have showed antibodies - 17 weeks after. I got a "negative" result.
ANS::- It depicts there was no real viral exposure and there was no infection caused to you as there had probably been nothing infective in the commode. If you had been exposed in real, the viruses must have ignited the formation of antibodies in the very first weeks of infection. Nothing happened like that.
Definitely we have to go for the serologic tests to see antibodies. Once the antibodies start forming, they can be detected and we nowadays have real time diagnostic techniques to rule them out.
***Unless the virus can live in the body for awhile before infecting the cells? So once the virus enters the body the virus invades the cells within 2 - 10 days?
ANS::- No, the virus invades the body, infects the cells but the 2-10 days period of time is the days between first exposure of body to viruses to the appearance of first actual symptom of the disease.
***If the virus was found in blood outside the body how long would it live? Maybe it would live less if it were found in water since it would be diluted?
ANS::- It is simply a theoretical presumption that virus was present in any blood out there on commode. But if it was, let's suppose, it would definitely had been flushed out and the time of 4 hours we are discussing (I want to add once more) is for the stagnant waters (swimming pools, spas and other such enclosures). The flushing areas have negligible to no viral loads. If they have any, even then least chances are for a skin abrasion present at the same time. If so possible, it is least likely that a person has really rubbed enough the abraded portion of skin to the specific viral contaminated portion of commode. Only splashes of water have nothing to transmit.
It is equally painful to me that you and your family members faced your sister's disease. I pray for the best of your and sister's health.
You can also discuss these issues with your Primary care Physician. No need to attend any classes I think. But if the PCP consultation doesn't suffice you, you may join the online courses at any healthcare setting regarding the same issue.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Details are sequenced accordingly !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back Miss XXXX!
***Well, my "commode exposure" happened last December so if I was exposed
then this test that I had last Monday would have showed antibodies - 17 weeks after. I got a "negative" result.
ANS::- It depicts there was no real viral exposure and there was no infection caused to you as there had probably been nothing infective in the commode. If you had been exposed in real, the viruses must have ignited the formation of antibodies in the very first weeks of infection. Nothing happened like that.
Definitely we have to go for the serologic tests to see antibodies. Once the antibodies start forming, they can be detected and we nowadays have real time diagnostic techniques to rule them out.
***Unless the virus can live in the body for awhile before infecting the cells? So once the virus enters the body the virus invades the cells within 2 - 10 days?
ANS::- No, the virus invades the body, infects the cells but the 2-10 days period of time is the days between first exposure of body to viruses to the appearance of first actual symptom of the disease.
***If the virus was found in blood outside the body how long would it live? Maybe it would live less if it were found in water since it would be diluted?
ANS::- It is simply a theoretical presumption that virus was present in any blood out there on commode. But if it was, let's suppose, it would definitely had been flushed out and the time of 4 hours we are discussing (I want to add once more) is for the stagnant waters (swimming pools, spas and other such enclosures). The flushing areas have negligible to no viral loads. If they have any, even then least chances are for a skin abrasion present at the same time. If so possible, it is least likely that a person has really rubbed enough the abraded portion of skin to the specific viral contaminated portion of commode. Only splashes of water have nothing to transmit.
It is equally painful to me that you and your family members faced your sister's disease. I pray for the best of your and sister's health.
You can also discuss these issues with your Primary care Physician. No need to attend any classes I think. But if the PCP consultation doesn't suffice you, you may join the online courses at any healthcare setting regarding the same issue.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
HERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION
Since I also worry about picking up stuff that my sister has touched this is a good question:
Lets say that she had a cut in a part of her body that was infected but at the time there were no lesions present at the time. Could the virus be shed from this same site - like her hand or arm - from a cut or wound? Or would it not be shed since it does not live in the bloodstream?
Part of the problems is since her stroke she might not tell us that she has a cut or injury. It could be an infected site and the virus could still shed. I have read that the virus cannot spread via regular skin though. Only a muscous membrane if there are not symptoms. Hope this question makes sense. Its a VERY important one.
Person has an HSV-2 infected arm from accidently touching the HSV-2 infected buttock region after using the restroom.
There are no symptoms present on the arm at the time but the virus is shedding from a wound or cut there. The virus lands on a suit case handle. Someone picks it up right afterward. Is this contagious from the viral shedding?
ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION
My sister told me that she often has HSV-2 outbreaks when she has her mentrual cycle. If trace amounts of blood on the sink faucet had the virus in it could it live longer than just a few seconds? Most don't wash the sink faucets after they wash their hands. How long could this live?
Again alot of this is because my sister had the stroke and she is not so careful about things.
Since I also worry about picking up stuff that my sister has touched this is a good question:
Lets say that she had a cut in a part of her body that was infected but at the time there were no lesions present at the time. Could the virus be shed from this same site - like her hand or arm - from a cut or wound? Or would it not be shed since it does not live in the bloodstream?
Part of the problems is since her stroke she might not tell us that she has a cut or injury. It could be an infected site and the virus could still shed. I have read that the virus cannot spread via regular skin though. Only a muscous membrane if there are not symptoms. Hope this question makes sense. Its a VERY important one.
Person has an HSV-2 infected arm from accidently touching the HSV-2 infected buttock region after using the restroom.
There are no symptoms present on the arm at the time but the virus is shedding from a wound or cut there. The virus lands on a suit case handle. Someone picks it up right afterward. Is this contagious from the viral shedding?
ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION
My sister told me that she often has HSV-2 outbreaks when she has her mentrual cycle. If trace amounts of blood on the sink faucet had the virus in it could it live longer than just a few seconds? Most don't wash the sink faucets after they wash their hands. How long could this live?
Again alot of this is because my sister had the stroke and she is not so careful about things.
Brief Answer:
Intimate contact is the main source of spread of HSV infection !!!
Detailed Answer:
I welcome you back with a smile of the morning. Stay blessed and healthy. Happy to assist you with some more follow up threads from your side.
Some Clarifications of MYTHS:-
INTIMATE CONTACT with the person who is infected with HSV is the major source of spread of infection. Body-body contact of SKIN and MUCOSAL SURFACES is the key factor in spread. ANO-GENITAL and ORAL transmission is the most common ones.
If a patient touches the sores with hands, and then washed properly, the hands can't transmit the infection. Also there can be spread by shedding of viruses during asymptomatic periods (no sores), BUT again this is possible usually through INTIMATE CONTACT with the patient. Sexual contact is essential source of infection but not mandatory…in herpes spread. Virus-as narrated earlier, ENTERS the body via skin and mucous membranes (mouth and ano-genital ones).
Other than DIRECT sexual contacts during vaginal, anal, oral, it is possibly spread through hands and fingers (patient or the healthy partner touches the active sore and then touches the mucous membrane).
ASYMPTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:-
MUCH LESS LIKELY IS THIS but may occur from patient with no active sores but the virus shedding from the skin of patient and patient touches the mucous membrane of the healthy person. It is again DIRECT CONTACT.
Now coming to your main doubts I once more want to clear that TRANSMISSION OF THE HSV THROUGH SHARING SUITCASES, CLOTHINGS, BEDDING, BED SHEETS, BATH TOWELS, TOILET SEAT AND COMMODES, EVERYDAY UTENSILS, CUPS AND/OR GLASSES, AND EVEN USING THE SHARED WATERS LIKE USING PUBLIC SPAS AND SWIMMING POOLS etc IS LESS LIKELY.
So, no need to be overwhelmed and overly worried about non-person contacts with your sister as ALMOST ALL cases of HERPES infection are spread via INTIMATE contacts (not always sexual though as aforementioned).
Ther route of virus:-
MUCOUS MEMBRANES AND SKIN INCLUDING OPEN SORES>>>NERVES>>>SPINAL CORD>>>RESIDE THERE... So usually doesn't run in the blood so cuts (non-herpes skin breaks) have less chances to spread.
You need to remain calm and get tested six monthly to yearly. When you go to the restroom, please wash the sink and toilet faucet for your ultimate satisfaction although it isn't needed at all.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Intimate contact is the main source of spread of HSV infection !!!
Detailed Answer:
I welcome you back with a smile of the morning. Stay blessed and healthy. Happy to assist you with some more follow up threads from your side.
Some Clarifications of MYTHS:-
INTIMATE CONTACT with the person who is infected with HSV is the major source of spread of infection. Body-body contact of SKIN and MUCOSAL SURFACES is the key factor in spread. ANO-GENITAL and ORAL transmission is the most common ones.
If a patient touches the sores with hands, and then washed properly, the hands can't transmit the infection. Also there can be spread by shedding of viruses during asymptomatic periods (no sores), BUT again this is possible usually through INTIMATE CONTACT with the patient. Sexual contact is essential source of infection but not mandatory…in herpes spread. Virus-as narrated earlier, ENTERS the body via skin and mucous membranes (mouth and ano-genital ones).
Other than DIRECT sexual contacts during vaginal, anal, oral, it is possibly spread through hands and fingers (patient or the healthy partner touches the active sore and then touches the mucous membrane).
ASYMPTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:-
MUCH LESS LIKELY IS THIS but may occur from patient with no active sores but the virus shedding from the skin of patient and patient touches the mucous membrane of the healthy person. It is again DIRECT CONTACT.
Now coming to your main doubts I once more want to clear that TRANSMISSION OF THE HSV THROUGH SHARING SUITCASES, CLOTHINGS, BEDDING, BED SHEETS, BATH TOWELS, TOILET SEAT AND COMMODES, EVERYDAY UTENSILS, CUPS AND/OR GLASSES, AND EVEN USING THE SHARED WATERS LIKE USING PUBLIC SPAS AND SWIMMING POOLS etc IS LESS LIKELY.
So, no need to be overwhelmed and overly worried about non-person contacts with your sister as ALMOST ALL cases of HERPES infection are spread via INTIMATE contacts (not always sexual though as aforementioned).
Ther route of virus:-
MUCOUS MEMBRANES AND SKIN INCLUDING OPEN SORES>>>NERVES>>>SPINAL CORD>>>RESIDE THERE... So usually doesn't run in the blood so cuts (non-herpes skin breaks) have less chances to spread.
You need to remain calm and get tested six monthly to yearly. When you go to the restroom, please wash the sink and toilet faucet for your ultimate satisfaction although it isn't needed at all.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
IF YOU SPECIFICALLY CAN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS I WILL BE SET - I MUST KNOW THIS AND WILL RATE YOU HIGHLY IF YOU ADDRESS THESE QUESTIONS.
1. I am referring to blood that is on the sink - if the virus is present how long can it live out side of the body this way?
2. I am referring to infected cells that are in the commode that are not washed away.
How long could they live for?
3. So an infected part of the skin that is asymptomatic would not shed the virus from a cut that is in the same location.
1. I am referring to blood that is on the sink - if the virus is present how long can it live out side of the body this way?
2. I am referring to infected cells that are in the commode that are not washed away.
How long could they live for?
3. So an infected part of the skin that is asymptomatic would not shed the virus from a cut that is in the same location.
Brief Answer:
Your questions are answered in detail. Please have a look !!!
Detailed Answer:
I welcome you here with follow up queries here at HCM. Thanks for bearing with us at this best health portal available online for your help. I appreciate your concerns.
YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS:::-
Q. 3. So an infected part of the skin that is asymptomatic would not shed the virus from a cut that is in the same location??
ANS:- Actually Herpes isn't a skin infection that can be transmitted from the cut finger. It rather is an infection of the nerve cells and spread by way of skin. Skin itself isn't infected, rather nerve cells get infected.
If there are enough viral particles in nerves, that build up and flow out, making blisters on the skin.
Q. 1. I am referring to blood that is on the sink - if the virus is present how long can it live outside of the body this way?
ANS:- Virus (HSV) Can't live outside the body . Coming in direct contact with air, it can't survive. Scientists believe it dies off in a few seconds to minutes to 4.5 hours highly depending on the environmental conditions outside.
Q. 2. I am referring to infected cells that are in the commode that are not washed away.
How long could they live for?
ANS:- Virus (HSV) Can't live outside the body in dry places. Coming indirect contact with air, it can't survive. Scientists believe it dies off in a few seconds to minutes to 4.5 hours highly depending on the environmental conditions outside.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Your questions are answered in detail. Please have a look !!!
Detailed Answer:
I welcome you here with follow up queries here at HCM. Thanks for bearing with us at this best health portal available online for your help. I appreciate your concerns.
YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS:::-
Q. 3. So an infected part of the skin that is asymptomatic would not shed the virus from a cut that is in the same location??
ANS:- Actually Herpes isn't a skin infection that can be transmitted from the cut finger. It rather is an infection of the nerve cells and spread by way of skin. Skin itself isn't infected, rather nerve cells get infected.
If there are enough viral particles in nerves, that build up and flow out, making blisters on the skin.
Q. 1. I am referring to blood that is on the sink - if the virus is present how long can it live outside of the body this way?
ANS:- Virus (HSV) Can't live outside the body . Coming in direct contact with air, it can't survive. Scientists believe it dies off in a few seconds to minutes to 4.5 hours highly depending on the environmental conditions outside.
Q. 2. I am referring to infected cells that are in the commode that are not washed away.
How long could they live for?
ANS:- Virus (HSV) Can't live outside the body in dry places. Coming indirect contact with air, it can't survive. Scientists believe it dies off in a few seconds to minutes to 4.5 hours highly depending on the environmental conditions outside.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
FiNANL
1.So the virus cannot get out in the blood from an asymptomatic spot in the skin from a cut?
2. The virus cannot live in infected blood if its on the sink? (and if the virus is in the blood) This is not a dry place since its blood.
3. The virus cannot live in infected cells that are stuck in the commode. This is not a dry place this is the side of the commode above the water line.
1.So the virus cannot get out in the blood from an asymptomatic spot in the skin from a cut?
2. The virus cannot live in infected blood if its on the sink? (and if the virus is in the blood) This is not a dry place since its blood.
3. The virus cannot live in infected cells that are stuck in the commode. This is not a dry place this is the side of the commode above the water line.
Brief Answer:
Your questions are answered in sequentially. Please have a look !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome:
Good morning with a bright day here. Thanks for the follow up query. Your questions and their answers are listed below.
1.So the virus cannot get out in the blood from an asymptomatic spot in the skin from a cut?
ANS: Yes. Your statement is right as described many times in our discussions too.
2. The virus cannot live in infected blood if its on the sink? (and if the virus is in the blood) This is not a dry place since its blood.
ANS: Blood dries up as soon as it comes out of the veins. When it dries up HSV remains no more active there.
3. The virus cannot live in infected cells that are stuck in the commode. This is not a dry place this is the side of the commode above the water line?
ANS: Yes in this place the virus can't live for the time discussed in detailed answers in our thread of discussions. You are right in this statement again.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Your questions are answered in sequentially. Please have a look !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome:
Good morning with a bright day here. Thanks for the follow up query. Your questions and their answers are listed below.
1.So the virus cannot get out in the blood from an asymptomatic spot in the skin from a cut?
ANS: Yes. Your statement is right as described many times in our discussions too.
2. The virus cannot live in infected blood if its on the sink? (and if the virus is in the blood) This is not a dry place since its blood.
ANS: Blood dries up as soon as it comes out of the veins. When it dries up HSV remains no more active there.
3. The virus cannot live in infected cells that are stuck in the commode. This is not a dry place this is the side of the commode above the water line?
ANS: Yes in this place the virus can't live for the time discussed in detailed answers in our thread of discussions. You are right in this statement again.
Hope it helps. Please ask for more assistance if you need. I am here to help. For future reference simply click on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
3. The virus cannot live in infected cells that are stuck in the commode. This is not a dry place this is the side of the commode above the water line?
FINAL QUESTION
So they can only live in this environmnet from 4 - 5 hours like this?
FINAL QUESTION
So they can only live in this environmnet from 4 - 5 hours like this?
Brief Answer:
The time is variable but not more than 4.5 hours !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back with a follow-up. I appreciate your genuine concerns.
Yes, they can live there even shorter than the time limit of 4 to 4.5 hours. As soon as UV light touches the surface, they are just gone, temperature is high from room temperature, they are no more there, Commode gets dry---no water--they are inactivated in microseconds.
Nor all type of viruses have same characteristics. We can't say HIV, Ebola and HSV behave the same way.
Feel free to give your Comments and feedback after clicking on Close the Discussion, if this suffices it here. Of course I am always here for you to help if you have any further assistance anytime. For future reference click simply on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
The time is variable but not more than 4.5 hours !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back with a follow-up. I appreciate your genuine concerns.
Yes, they can live there even shorter than the time limit of 4 to 4.5 hours. As soon as UV light touches the surface, they are just gone, temperature is high from room temperature, they are no more there, Commode gets dry---no water--they are inactivated in microseconds.
Nor all type of viruses have same characteristics. We can't say HIV, Ebola and HSV behave the same way.
Feel free to give your Comments and feedback after clicking on Close the Discussion, if this suffices it here. Of course I am always here for you to help if you have any further assistance anytime. For future reference click simply on: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Hello Again Dr. Hanif,
During this time of health concern I just happen to have some extra savings so just one more round of questions.
I talked to a local Infectious Disease Specialist today. She told me that she caught HSV-1 on her thumb from a patient at the hospital.
Question:
So if this same person is infected with the virus on her thumb HAS NO SYMPTOMS
1. Can she spread it through a cut from her thumb (area above where the virus is?)
2. Can she spread it from her skin?
The reason why I am asking is I am still concerned about my sister CARRYING it on other parts of her body - with no symptoms - and passing it via cuts that are directly above the infected area.
Like her arms when she hugs our family.
I am so sorry to be a pain but this has really bothered me for some reason. I have been told that I am a beautiful spiritual person and I would sure not want to harm anyone.
I have been told that a family practice doctor is pretty smart.
During this time of health concern I just happen to have some extra savings so just one more round of questions.
I talked to a local Infectious Disease Specialist today. She told me that she caught HSV-1 on her thumb from a patient at the hospital.
Question:
So if this same person is infected with the virus on her thumb HAS NO SYMPTOMS
1. Can she spread it through a cut from her thumb (area above where the virus is?)
2. Can she spread it from her skin?
The reason why I am asking is I am still concerned about my sister CARRYING it on other parts of her body - with no symptoms - and passing it via cuts that are directly above the infected area.
Like her arms when she hugs our family.
I am so sorry to be a pain but this has really bothered me for some reason. I have been told that I am a beautiful spiritual person and I would sure not want to harm anyone.
I have been told that a family practice doctor is pretty smart.
Brief Answer:
Have a detailed look below, at multiple answers in sequence !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome once again to HCM. I am really happy to see you again with some set of queries out there in a follow-up to our thread.
Actually the transmission of virus ( as discussed in detail in previous answers too) is through the skin and mucosal surfaces during intimate contacts. As your Physician told you that she contracted HSV-1, that may be due to directly touching open sores or the infected skin areas with open viral lesions on them.
HSV is transmitted through mucosal surfaces and skin. Virus came in contact with the thumb, must have passed along to the nerves and reached the spinal cord levels. There we can do a test of Cerebrospinal fluid too and find the viruses as we can find in orogenital secretions of patients. Now there is nothing on the thumb if there is no obvious lesion (sore, vesicles, blisters etc). The thumb now can't transmit virus through everyday interpersonal contacts.
Questions: If there is a cut or breach in the thumb of the above said person, there are least chances of spread of virus this way. But if the same person comes in a sexual contact with someone who isn't infected, viruses can be transmitted now as they are secreted in the body secretions of oro-genital areas.
Stay blessed. Hope it suffices the queries you raised about. You can also read our whole thread of discussion as I have made elaboration on the same deep points of HSV transmission out there.
In future, Please feel free to click on tinyurl.com/drhanifmd if you need assistance.
Regards!
Have a detailed look below, at multiple answers in sequence !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome once again to HCM. I am really happy to see you again with some set of queries out there in a follow-up to our thread.
Actually the transmission of virus ( as discussed in detail in previous answers too) is through the skin and mucosal surfaces during intimate contacts. As your Physician told you that she contracted HSV-1, that may be due to directly touching open sores or the infected skin areas with open viral lesions on them.
HSV is transmitted through mucosal surfaces and skin. Virus came in contact with the thumb, must have passed along to the nerves and reached the spinal cord levels. There we can do a test of Cerebrospinal fluid too and find the viruses as we can find in orogenital secretions of patients. Now there is nothing on the thumb if there is no obvious lesion (sore, vesicles, blisters etc). The thumb now can't transmit virus through everyday interpersonal contacts.
Questions: If there is a cut or breach in the thumb of the above said person, there are least chances of spread of virus this way. But if the same person comes in a sexual contact with someone who isn't infected, viruses can be transmitted now as they are secreted in the body secretions of oro-genital areas.
Stay blessed. Hope it suffices the queries you raised about. You can also read our whole thread of discussion as I have made elaboration on the same deep points of HSV transmission out there.
In future, Please feel free to click on tinyurl.com/drhanifmd if you need assistance.
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
1. Okay, so lets say my sister's palm of her arm area was INFECTED with HSV-2,
2. there are NO symptoms but
3. she might be shredding the virus through a cut or abrasion in that same area or shedding that could get on us if she touched us with her palms? I know that shedding cannot happen with regular skin but its seems like it could if there was a cut or an abrasion there at the infected site even if there are NO symptoms.
Since my sister has her stroke she is very careless I need to tell her to tell us if she has cuts or scrapes on her arms. She might want to refrain from hugging us at this time. She might say "Well I don't have symptoms" I would tell her that "Even if you don't have symptoms at the infected site you can still shed the virus on us via regular skin if there is a cut or abraision.
She has HSV-2 on the buttock region and I just don't see how she can keep from NOT getting it on her arms after she uses the restroom. Especially with her being incoherent after having an ishemic stroke. See my concern? Its kind of a scarey situation. Its very important for our family to know this. How contagious could her arms be if she comes in contact with a lesion on her backside?
2. there are NO symptoms but
3. she might be shredding the virus through a cut or abrasion in that same area or shedding that could get on us if she touched us with her palms? I know that shedding cannot happen with regular skin but its seems like it could if there was a cut or an abrasion there at the infected site even if there are NO symptoms.
Since my sister has her stroke she is very careless I need to tell her to tell us if she has cuts or scrapes on her arms. She might want to refrain from hugging us at this time. She might say "Well I don't have symptoms" I would tell her that "Even if you don't have symptoms at the infected site you can still shed the virus on us via regular skin if there is a cut or abraision.
She has HSV-2 on the buttock region and I just don't see how she can keep from NOT getting it on her arms after she uses the restroom. Especially with her being incoherent after having an ishemic stroke. See my concern? Its kind of a scarey situation. Its very important for our family to know this. How contagious could her arms be if she comes in contact with a lesion on her backside?
Brief Answer:
She can transmit the virus from back lesions !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back to HCM with another query of the same issue of HSV-2 infection of your sister.
Yes, your concerns are genuine and noticeably alarming. If your sister goes to restroom and comes back without properly washing her hands, DEFINITELY, she can transmit the infectious agents to others whom she touch with the same contaminated hands. Medically, it is same as the other person is touching the original lesions (viral load on hands will be lower though).
This comes to the duty of her Physician to guide her about the hygiene and the ways to avoid spread of virus to others. Yes--you will be right in telling the same to her as this is certainly a health concern impacting the health of whole family.
IMPORTANT DOES :-
1. Make sure by yourself that your sister carefully washes her hands and arms after using the restroom. You can also appoint somebody else to nurse her at home.
2. Once you feel she may have not properly washed up and touched with same hands, you may properly wash your areas touched by her. This is another passive way of prevention.
3. Use Toilet seat covers, everytime you or your sister goes to the restroom. It will also be a good prevention. Although it is not the well documented way of transmission of this virus but care is better for your family. We actually need the peace of mind and to be more protective is your right, of course. I appreciate the concerns you have, especially when living together is also important.
Hope it helps. Please feel free to contact me anytime directly from my profile if you need further assistance. Link is: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd.
Regards!
She can transmit the virus from back lesions !!!
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back to HCM with another query of the same issue of HSV-2 infection of your sister.
Yes, your concerns are genuine and noticeably alarming. If your sister goes to restroom and comes back without properly washing her hands, DEFINITELY, she can transmit the infectious agents to others whom she touch with the same contaminated hands. Medically, it is same as the other person is touching the original lesions (viral load on hands will be lower though).
This comes to the duty of her Physician to guide her about the hygiene and the ways to avoid spread of virus to others. Yes--you will be right in telling the same to her as this is certainly a health concern impacting the health of whole family.
IMPORTANT DOES :-
1. Make sure by yourself that your sister carefully washes her hands and arms after using the restroom. You can also appoint somebody else to nurse her at home.
2. Once you feel she may have not properly washed up and touched with same hands, you may properly wash your areas touched by her. This is another passive way of prevention.
3. Use Toilet seat covers, everytime you or your sister goes to the restroom. It will also be a good prevention. Although it is not the well documented way of transmission of this virus but care is better for your family. We actually need the peace of mind and to be more protective is your right, of course. I appreciate the concerns you have, especially when living together is also important.
Hope it helps. Please feel free to contact me anytime directly from my profile if you need further assistance. Link is: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd.
Regards!
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Dr. Prasad
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