It is least easily spread when the sores have healed, the scabs have fallen off, and the skin is normal again. It is very unlikely that herpes is spread by toilet seats, swimming pools, bathtubs, whirlpools, or moist towels. An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during or after childbirth. Oral herpes can be spread through contact such as kissing, or though oral sex. Direct contact for a short amount of time is enough to spread the virus.
Cold sores are common in young children.
Cold sores are annoying but harmless in children and adults, but can be dangerous to a newborn. Many times, genital herpes does not cause any symptoms. Many people carry the virus in their bodies but do not have their first occurrence of symptoms until they are infected again. If you do have symptoms, they can begin from 2 to 20 days after the virus enters the body, or it could take much longer. You may have a tingling or itching in the genital area at first.