A member asked:

So i have hsv-2 i was wondering if i can get a outbreak on my hand from touching it before i knew i had it?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Doubtful. These viral strains are rather specific to the locations they infect. You wouldn't survive well in a desert or the frozen artic & many germ strains have environmental needs supplied by to the sites they infect. The mucous skin involved is their preferred location. Genital or oral mucous membranes is where they infect.

Answered 11/17/2022

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Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

No worries! Self transfer of herpes to a new body site is auto-inoculation. It can occur during someone's initial infection, but almost never from recurrent outbreaks. Even though the immune system doesn't prevent recurrent outbreaks, it does prevent auto-inoculation. Don't push your luck; wash hands after toilet and try to avoid touching eyes when you have an outbreak. Even this is very low risk.

Answered 11/20/2022

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