Can you get herpes from contracting the Herpes virus while swimming?

According to the World Health Organization - WHO, an estimated 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 (67%) globally are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the main cause of oral herpes. An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the main cause of genital herpes.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or sores. The disease is spread mainly through skin-to-skin contact. Herpes caused by this virus can be treated but cannot be cured.

There are two types of Herpes virus: Type 1 is HSV-1 which usually causes oral herpes, which can cause cold sores, blisters and tongue herpes. Type 2 is HSV-2 which commonly causes genital herpes, which can cause painful blisters on the genitals or anus.

In the summer, the need for swimming to cool off increases. This raises concerns about whether the herpes virus can spread through water? Should people with herpes sores go swimming in the pool?

1. Infection route of herpes virus

According to the World Health Organization - WHO, HSV-1 is mainly transmitted through contact with the virus in sores, saliva or surfaces in or around the mouth. Less commonly, HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genital area through oral or genital contact.

This virus can be transmitted from seemingly normal oral or skin surfaces; however, the greatest risk of transmission is when an active ulcer is present. People who have been infected with HSV-1 are not at risk of reinfection, but they are still at risk of being infected with HSV-2.

HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with genital or anal surfaces, skin, sores, or fluids of a person infected with the virus. HSV-2 can be transmitted even when the skin appears normal and is often transmitted when there are no symptoms.

In rare cases, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can be transmitted from mother to baby during birth, causing herpes in the newborn.

2. Can you get infected with the herpes virus when swimming?

According to Cedars-Sinai, herpes blisters are often spread through skin-to-skin contact. Accordingly, the likelihood of contracting herpes in a swimming pool - without physical contact with someone infected with the virus - is low.

That's because chemical disinfectants like chlorine often kill herpes, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

However, you can still get the virus in a swimming pool if you have physical contact with someone who has herpes or if you share items such as towels or other personal items that come into contact with other people. skin.

3. Can you go swimming during a herpes outbreak?

Yes, you can go swimming during a herpes outbreak. However, swimming in a pool with an open wound can put you at risk for irritation and pain. Chlorine can cause pain and irritation of ulcers.

If you plan to go swimming during a herpes outbreak, here are some tips that may help you feel more comfortable:

- Wear a swimsuit : When bathing in the pool, you should cover your blisters. A swimsuit will protect against accidental contact by others with the blisters, and can also reduce pain and irritation caused by chlorine, as the swimsuit is a barrier between the skin and the water.

- Clean your body and apply medicine : After swimming, you should shower cleanly, dry and apply medicine.

Use sunscreen : Sunlight can trigger a herpes outbreak. You should wear sunscreen, including lip balm with sun protection factor (SPF). This can help you avoid herpes outbreaks.

4. How to prevent and treat herpes blisters

Herpes cannot be cured. But fortunately, the disease is preventable and there are treatments to help reduce outbreaks.

- You can reduce your risk of getting or spreading oral herpes by not sharing items that come into contact with your mouth, such as cups, utensils, toothbrushes, and towels.

- Practice safe sex, such as using condoms

- Boost your immunity with a healthy lifestyle to avoid herpes outbreaks

Treatments for herpes sores (for both oral and genital sores) include:

- Antiviral medications or prescription ointments (These medications work best when started early, so see your doctor as soon as you have any symptoms. You may experience tingling or pain before seeing the bump.)

- Apply cool or warm compresses to irritated ulcers

- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to relieve pain

In short, herpes caused by the herpes virus is often transmitted to others through direct contact with the wound or sharing personal items. Although the rate of herpes infection when swimming is low, swimming is also susceptible to infection by other bacteria and viruses such as Cryptosporidium - causing diarrhea, Pseudomonas aeruginosa - causing rash, Legionella - lung infection, etc. .

To ensure safety, people should choose a clean swimming pool, use protective gear such as eyeglasses, swimming clothes and should bathe and keep their body, ears, eyes, nose,... clean.