I just went thru the hierarchy and my first exposure is sharing a drink or plate of food with someone. I have read that herpes can spread this way. I am so confused, why would the app give me an exposure that may actually pose a real risk to someone?

That’s your OCD talkin’ :) those risks are probably the same as winning the lottery

Health organizations have to cover all the bases to keep their asses covered for liability reasons, and it breeds hypochondriacs and feeds into OCD brain. I don’t know if what I’m about to say is considered reassurance or not, but your OCD is convincing you of unwarranted risks. Even so, however, skip that exposure if it’s too triggering. If there’s one thing my therapist has taught me it’s that it is NOT always worth it to take the leap. Start somewhere easier if that assignment is too challenging. Much love :)

If I followed your reasoning then I should blame my employer for daring to tell me to commute to work since tons of risks are in play when driving a car. --- You are trading one thing for another - the possibility of danger for peace of mind. --- I don't know your stage of recovery so this might trigger you but t let's say that you were the one in a billion that gets herpes through sharing a cup - Well, that's life and you will be able to face it when/if it comes - you are much stronger than you think. I know tons of people who have oral herpes and they are wonderful people and their life is not defined by that.

That may be a good analogy (driving) and hopefully my mind will be able to see things more clearly soon. I am in the beginning stages of therapy. Also, it seems that my thoughts have been more concerned with giving herpes to someone else.

Stdcheck.com States that oral herpes is most commonly passed from kissing or sharing drinks or utensils. I am so confused as to the differing opinions.

Thank you so much for your replies. I am actually in therapy and I am new to this community. Is there a way to interact with users in a chat or message system?

Sharing a plate or a cup is not considered a high risk activity despite the possibilities. ---

Thanks, but even if the risk is small, why do it on purpose and put someone in that situation?

I had the same obsession once - the thing is that I did kiss people with oral herpes and I was 100% sure I got it and was so scared to pass it to people. I got tested many times until the doctor got mad at me (back then I didn't know I had OCD). Reading statistics and articles online just fed my obsession big time. It wasn't until one doctor was completely rude to me, for good, and told me to stop being so paranoid that I gave it a break. I did ERP, started to share towels, kisses, etc. and my condition improved a lot.

I am really glad that I have someone to relate to. Sharing items like towels would be a pretty big trigger for me. Would you be willing to keep in touch?

Sure

Is there a way to message on this app?

Nope :(

I guess maybe we can keep this thread open, it was nice exchanging with you. I will check this tomorrow.

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How is it going today?