In rare occurrences, the herpes virus can be transferred from one area of the body to another in the same person (such as from the mouth to the genitals and vice-versa). read more
According to the National Herpes Hotline, herpes is not transmitted through inanimate objects, such as soap, towels, clothing, bed sheets, toilet seats, and spa surfaces. In the case of sharing soap, the herpes virus would be washed away by the soap before it would have the chance to infect someone else. read more
Contrary to popular speculation, herpes simplex cannot be transmitted by towels, cups or very many other things. Unless it is skin-to-skin or sexual contact, it is not possible to transmit the disease in other ways. It does seem likely that it would be possible via sharing cups because of saliva, although it is not. read more
In the case of sharing soap, the herpes virus would be washed away by the soap before it would have the chance to infect someone else. One theoretically possible, but highly unlikely, scenario is contracting the herpes virus from a damp towel. read more