Is herpes a sexually transmitted disease only?
No. The most common form of herpes is oral herpes, the cold sores people get on the mouth. About 80% of adults have oral herpes, and it is normally passed by a simple kiss. Often small children catch oral herpes when kissed on the mouth by an affectionate family member who has it. Someone who has it on the mouth can spread it to a partner’s genitals if they perform oral sex. Also, doctors and dentists can get herpes of the finger or hand – herpes whitlow – from touching patient’s mouths (one reason latex gloves are essential). You can even give yourself herpes of the finger if you have oral herpes and chew your fingertips, r give yourself herpes of the eye by rubbing your eyes after touching your mouth. Herpes prefers to infect mucous membrane – the genitals, the mouth or the eyes, but can infect any broken skin where it can enter. The infection then stays in that area and can only be spread from there – if you catch it on your elbow you can only spread it from your elbow. Among wrestl
