Hot Tubs and Herpes Transmission

QUESTION: Recently my husband and I purchased a hot tub. A frequent visitor
to our house has herpes. We don't want to hurt feelings if there is no risk
involved, but is our family at any risk if they share the tub, or if the
visitor uses the tub? Please answer as soon as possible as we are eager to
know the answers to our questions.
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ANSWER: I am going to assume that your visitor suffers from genital herpes
caused by a virus known as HSV-2. There are other forms of herpes, "cold
sores" for example and they are usually caused by the HSV-1 herpes virus. The
human herpes viruses are very widespread and extremely difficult to control.
I'll bet just about every one you know has had a cold sore at one time or
another. However, we believe that genital herpes is spread by direct contact
with the infected secretions that are produced in the sores that are the most
evident sign of the disease. Thus, an individual who is suffering through the
active phase of the disease, with sores present, must be considered as a
source of infection. During the dormant periods, when no lesions are present,
contagion is certainly less of a possibility, but certain authorities
speculate that the virus can be transmitted even when sores are not present.
The possibility of an indirect spread through the communal waters of a hot
tub is even less certain. I would like to spare your visitor's feelings, but
I can't think of a polite way of asking if their lesions are active when they
are visiting. Besides, I think hot tubs must be shared with a bit of
discretion, a little like sharing a tooth brush. Though there is only a
remote chance of there being danger to your family if no lesions are present,
I suspect you may sleep a bit better if your hot tub is "closed for repairs"
during your visitor's stay.