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Thanks for the response. Do you know of any resources out there that give a good perspective of science behind viral shedding? Specifically, how does the virus "shed" and when it is shedding, how is it transmitted? When I hear shedding, I tend to think of skin/virus falling off of me. I know this isn't the case, but that's where my mind goes...

Long time follower, first time poster... I have had HSV-2 for 10 years. My wife and I have two young children, 2 and 4 and a third on the way. This is where my concern arises. I take once daily Valtrex and very rarely have outbreaks (maybe once a year). That being said, the concept of viral shedding has me completely freaked out. Can our children contract herpes from me through casual contact by viral shedding? If I am wearing shorts and the kids hug my leg, is there the possibility that I transmit herpes to them via shedding? If I use the restroom and touch an area where shedding is occurring, could I potentially transfer the virus to my hands or clothing (ie: pulling my shirt down prior to washing hands)? If so, then could this virus transfer from my hands or clothing to my kids if they touch it right after I use the restroom?? As you can see, my main concern is the risk of transferring this disease to the kids. Other than the constant worry that they somehow contract this from me, HSV-2 doesn't have much impact on my life. Sorry for all the random questions about shedding. Are there any other parents out there who faced similar concerns and could offer advice? Thank you so much for reading this and offering your feedback!