Did I give my genital herpes to my 5 year old son?

[Spring5712123]

I have had hsv2 for 13 years. I have not had an outbreak in over 5 years. A few weeks ago I showered with my 5 year old son. I used the bar of soap and washed and rinsed myself first. I then used the same bar of soap to lather him. Then used my hands to wash him. About 5 days later he got a red bump on his testicle. He said it was itchy. He itched it and broke the skin. A small scab formed. The area healed in 5-6 days. Only a faint pink spot remains. Could I have transmitted genital herpes to him in this way? It was completely innocent. I was just trying to get him cleaned for bed quickly. Now I am totally freaking out. I have not slept or ate much in a week. Please help!

[Terri Warren]

No! The purpose of soap is to destroy lipids, and there is a lipid layer surrounding the herpes virus. Soap destroys it immediately. There is ZERO risk of you transmitting this to your son through the soap/washing experience.

Terri

[Spring5712123]

Terri

Thanks for the reply.

Just to clarify- the soap bar went from scrubbing my body/genitals to the soap counter/holder then to scrubbing his body/genitals within 3-5 minutes time. The bar was likely not washed off in the water in between me and him.

Positive this is not I could have transmitted the disease to him? I am worried sick.

[Terri Warren]

Positive!

Terri

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