Is it dangerous for my kids to bathe in the same tub when we have an OB? What about swimming? i get so fanatical about scrubbing the bathroom and holding my kids during this time. Are my worries justified or am I being paranoid?

I have the exact same concern. I'm fearing that I'm becoming insane over it all--thinking the slightest contact with nephews and nieces can cause the virus to spread--and I don't have oral herpes. I hope someone else can answer this question.

I'm not a doc, but I don't think you have much to worry about. The virus can live for only so long on surfaces, not sure how long, and when you let the water out I'm sure it would be washed away. I could be wrong. As for swimming, the chlorine should kill the virus. I think if it's a pool without chlorine you should still be safe. Maybe someone else will be able to give you better answers. I've never thought about most of these things. I get my OB on my bottom and after I use the restroom I just wipe the seat with Lysol. Sorry, I wasn't much help.

When I used to share a tub with my kids I always disinfected it before they took their baths just to be safe. I have a pool and swim in it with my kids, but don't let them come in contact with my bottom (where obs usually are). I tell my older child not to touch my bottom. She never asks why. I know you can feel crazy, but better safe than sorry. I have suffered so, and would never want my kids too. Good luck.

Hi All!

I was concerned about that as well. I found another site to answer that question: http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/womens/qas/0,,234289_735,00.html