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Can I Get Herpes From Using Common Razor?
Question: If I used a razor to shave my private areas when I DID NOT have an outbreak and then over a month later someone used it to shave would there be risk of transmission. I've heard herpes can't survive outside the body but does live a bit longer in a razor.
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Herpes simplex virus can survive for very short periods outside the human body but, as you mentioned it can survive for longer periods on dry inanimate surfaces for a few hrs to 1 to 2 weeks.
It survives longer if the area is not very humid. One study looked at survival on metal surfaces like the razor and found that survival was less on metal surfaces, in fact it was up to 24 hrs. On glass it survived up to a week.
Transmission can occur when a person is not symptomatic but this is usually a week before or after an outbreak.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Herpes simplex virus can survive for very short periods outside the human body but, as you mentioned it can survive for longer periods on dry inanimate surfaces for a few hrs to 1 to 2 weeks.
It survives longer if the area is not very humid. One study looked at survival on metal surfaces like the razor and found that survival was less on metal surfaces, in fact it was up to 24 hrs. On glass it survived up to a week.
Transmission can occur when a person is not symptomatic but this is usually a week before or after an outbreak.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So do I have anything to worry about if someone used my razor OVER A MONTH after I used it, would they possibly get anything ?
Yes , it is extremely unlikely. The virus is not known to survive for this period of time on that type of surface.
Feel free to ask any other questions
Feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I'm sorry, are you saying "yes" I don't have anything to worry about because the virus is not known to survive for over a month on a razor surface. I just want to be clear.
The virus is not known to survive that period of time and transmission extremely unlikely
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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