My husband and I both have HSV2 and have an infant- we’ve been being really careful about making sure we don’t transmit it. My question is: I have a cut on my finger and it hasn’t scabbed over yet. Can I give my baby herpes through the cut if I change her diaper or if she holds onto my fingers and then sucks on her hand?

Thank you I advance!!

A cut on your finger would NOT transmit herpes to anyone.  Herpes is not in your blood, it is in the nerves and skin of the genital area.  You are OK. Enjoy your infant without worry about this.

Terri

Likewise, as you noted the virus lives in the genital region- swimming in a lake without any chlorine or substances that would kill the virus, is safe with our baby correct? I just want to make sure none of it can be transferred to through the water. Thank you again!

No, herpes is not in the blood.

And yes, it is safe to swim in a lake as the dilution factor will totally take care of any virus that might be around. 

Terri