Can you get herpes from a bathtub?

One of the most burning questions today in everyone’s mind is, “can you get herpes from a bathwater?” While herpes is an extremely contagious disease, you’ll be relieved to know that it is very unlikely to catch the virus from a bathtub. Herpes usually only spread through close contact involving sexual intercourse like vaginal, anal, and oral sex or by sharing saliva and kissing. The virus does not live long outside the body, and as such, it dies after a short time when it’s on external surfaces like bathtubs and toilet seats. You’ll also be glad to know that the chance of contracting herpes from sharing baths, soaps, towels, swimming pools, or bedding is very low.

All these pieces of information might be a huge relief for you. However, you are still not on safe waters just yet. There’s no guarantee that you won’t contract herpes. Chances are, the virus on the surface just might be alive and can possibly spread across your body. Hence you need to be very precautious. It is recommended that you wash your hands after you touch anything in the bathroom. You do not want to touch your nose, genitals, eyes, or mouth before you wash your hands.

Since there is some slight possibility that you might contract herpes, we suggest that you go and get tested if you think you have symptoms of the virus. Getting a test will rule out any kind of possibility. And even if you’ve contracted the virus by some miracle, you can start the treatment right away before things go bad to worse.