Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?

Public restrooms might not be the cleanest places you can imagine, but can you get herpes from a toilet seat?

If you’ve ever wondered this, you’re not alone! It’s one of the most searched questions regarding sexual health, and we’ve all heard the myth that you could get an STD simply from sitting on a toilet.

Herpes is a contagious virus that can spread through physical contact with an infected person. You might know it as one of the more contagious STDs, but how long can herpes live outside the body? If you use a toilet after someone with herpes uses it, can you get herpes?

We’re breaking down the myths surrounding public toilet seats at STDs, so you can use public restrooms armed with the facts.

Before we delve into whether or not you can contract herpes from a toilet seat, let’s learn more about the virus itself.

What Is Herpes?

Herpes is a name that refers to two widespread, related viruses: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes virus infections transmit through sexual activity with an infected person. If you think you may have herpes, schedule a rapid STD test. 

These viruses are similar, with similar symptoms. The hallmark symptom of either herpes virus is the painful, itchy lesions, or sores, that can develop during an outbreak. These sores can appear in or around the mouth, genitals, or anus. 

The complete list of HSV-1 and HSV-2 symptoms includes the following:

• Painful mouth or genital sores
• Itching around the mouth or genitals
• Difficulty urinating or a burning feeling when urinating
• Pain in or around the mouth or genitals
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Fever

Herpes symptoms can vary in severity, and carriers of either herpes virus can also be asymptomatic for years or even never have an outbreak.

Why the distinction between the two viruses? What’s the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2? 

In the past, the medical field thought that HSV-2 was “genital herpes” and HSV-1 was “oral herpes,” known to cause cold sores. Cold sores are painful, contagious, and unsightly sores that can appear around the mouth. 

However, as research continues, we now know that the two types of herpes simplex virus can both appear in either affected region. HSV-1 can occur in both the genital area and the mouth, and HSV-2 can cause outbreaks in and around the mouth and the genitals. 

Herpes is a highly stigmatized virus. Its reputation stems from the media narrative that herpes spreads by using dirty toilets, having many sexual partners, or cheating.

However, as sex becomes less stigmatized and more people take control of their sexual health by learning how STDs spread and getting regular STD tests, we’re beginning to talk about herpes for what it actually is: A common virus that, at most, is an inconvenience.

You read that right. While herpes lives in the body forever, the experience of having herpes most often ranges from a couple of annoying outbreaks a year to complete dormancy. That means many people with HSV-1 or HSV-2 (as well as their sex partners) may never even experience an outbreak. 

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, experts estimate 67% of adults worldwide have HSV-1, and 13% have HSV-2. Whether or not you think you’re at risk, getting tested is always a good idea. Rapid STD Testing makes that easy with our same-day STD testing. Find a testing center near you, order the test you want, then get confidential results in one to three days.

Treatment generally includes antiviral medication to reduce outbreak frequency and severity. Topical treatments are available for painful sores, and home treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, warm baths, and soft clothes.

Can You Get It from a Toilet Seat?

Bacteria and viruses love public restrooms. These high-traffic areas contain lots of moisture and create a breeding ground for germs that can enter our bodies and make us sick.

One major way bacteria spreads throughout restrooms is by flushing toilets. When a toilet flushes, an invisible plume of bacteria-laden water droplets bursts into the air. Most toilets in public restrooms are often lid-less, which only exacerbates the spread of bacteria.

Mode of Transmission

We now know that multiple viruses and bacteria are lurking in public restrooms. However, you still have the question: “Can I get herpes from a toilet seat?”

The short answer? Probably not. 

The CDC states: “You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels.” 

So, how does herpes spread?

Herpes is an extraordinarily contagious disease typically spread through physical contact with someone with the virus. This primarily includes oral, vaginal, or anal sex and kissing and includes contact with an infected person’s herpes blister, saliva, or genital fluids. It also transmits through presymptomatic or asymptomatic skin-to-skin contact.

Herpes can spread whether or not symptoms of an outbreak are visible, and can spread even if you use a condom or other form of protection.

During an oral herpes outbreak, sharing items like lip balm and straws can transmit the virus. If you or someone you’re close with are experiencing a genital herpes outbreak, take care to avoid sharing razors or sex toys. 

If you’re wondering how long STDs can live in clothing, click here.

Can You Get STDs from a Toilet Seat?

You may not be able to avoid all germs while using a public restroom. Colds and other airborne viruses are a risk in high-traffic areas like restrooms, but can you get STDs from a toilet seat?

Contracting an STD from toilet use is rare but possible. STDs that carry the most risk of transmission from toilet seats are:

• Trichomoniasis. A parasitic infection that can cause itchy, sore genitals and discharge.
• Pubic lice. Also known as “crabs,” these tiny insects live in pubic hair and can cause itchy bumps in the genital area. Is crabs an STD?

However, in public restrooms, you have a much higher risk of exposure to bacteria and non-STD viruses like:

• Streptococcus. The bacteria that causes strep throat.
• Influenza. Did you know that the flu can live on nonporous surfaces for days? You can spread the flu virus around to other objects by not washing your hands.
• Shigella bacteria. A stomach bug that causes diarrhea, cramps, and fever.
• Norovirus. Able to live on surfaces for up to two weeks, Norovirus is a contagious digestive illness. 
• E. coli. A bacteria typically found in our intestines, E. coli spreads through contaminated surfaces like toilet seats and airborne mist from flushing toilets.
• Staphylococcus. Able to live on surfaces for up to three months, Staph is a highly contagious bacteria that can lead to severe infections like MRSA. 
• Hepatitis A. A serious illness that affects the liver, hepatitis A has flu-like symptoms and long-lasting adverse effects. 

While infection from a toilet seat is rare, it is possible to contract trichomoniasis or pubic lice under certain conditions.

How to Protect Yourself When Using the Toilet

You’ve learned that the types of herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) transmit through direct contact with someone with the virus. You’ve learned the answer to that age-old question: “Can you get herpes from a toilet seat?”

But, just in case you’re curious, how long does herpes live on a toilet seat?

According to studies researching how long herpes simplex viruses can survive on surfaces, the answer is: not long.

Herpes viruses don’t live very long when outside of the body. When combined with bodily fluids such as saliva, the herpes virus began to lose infectiousness after about thirty minutes. 

You can rest assured that your next public restroom experience will be “herpes toilet seat” free.

However, other STDs like trichomoniasis and pubic lice carry a slight chance of transmission via toilet seat.

Here’s how to protect yourself from picking up any kind of STD, virus, or bacterial infection from a bathroom: 

• Avoid using public toilets that appear dirty 
• Use a disposable sanitizing wipe to clean the toilet seat before use
• Use a disposable paper toilet seat cover
• Hang up your belongings, or ask a friend to hold them—never place items on the floor
• Ensure that the roll of toilet paper is clean and dry 
• If the roll is not in the dispenser, do not touch the inside of the roll tube
• Flush the toilet with your foot
• Turn away from the toilet when flushing and immediately leave the stall
• Use warm water and soap to wash your hands for a minimum of 20 to 30 seconds
• Avoid hand dryer machines
• Turn the faucet off with a paper towel
• Use another paper towel to cover the door handle as you leave the restroom

Your Sexual Health Can’t Wait

One of the best ways to take control of your sexual health is to get tested regularly, and at Rapid STD Testing, we make it easy to know your STD status.

Choose from one of our 2,500 testing centers and select our 10-panel STD test for thorough screening, including testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2.

We can answer questions like “can you get herpes from a toilet seat?” and provide guidance on which testing options may be best for you. Our testing experts treat your questions and personal information respectfully and confidentially and deliver fast, reliable results.