you should get a t shirt to tell people

" Yes, you can spread herpes to other areas of your own body but it is very unlikely. One kind of complication involves spreading the virus from the location of an outbreak to other places on the body by touching the infection and then transferring the virus particles. The fingers (herpes whitlow), eyes (ocular herpes), and other body areas can accidentally become infected in this way. This type of scenario is rare and is more likely to happen only in cases where: * The immune system is highly compromised (such as in patients with HIV) * There is a tear or break in the skin allowing easier access for the virus to transmit * During the first primary outbreak (when the body may not have had time to build up sufficient antibodies) Preventing self-infection is simple. Be mindful of transmitting the virus to other skin areas where there is broken skin and avoid touching the area during an outbreak. If you do, immediately wash your hands and the area that you have touched with soap and water, this can potentially kill the local virus particles and will help to prevent spreading it further. Just remember, self re-infection to other body areas (also called auto-inoculation) is highly unlikely during a recurrent outbreak and fairly uncommon in general. So, be sensible and don't let paranoia rule your thoughts." Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/herpes_prevention_tips.htm