Very worried about the spread of herpes to my baby

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi! My husband and I were intimate last night. He had a outbreak and even though we used protection we are worried that I may have touched it with my hands. I have a six and half month old baby who woke up right after and trying to rush to her I changed her diaper without washing my hands first. My question is...could I have passed the herpes to her by not washing my hands first?? So worried. Please help. Thank You!!

Dear Develyn: Genital herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus(HSV), of which there are two types. HSV type 1 causes oral herpes and HSV type 2 is known to cause genital herpes. HSV-2 cannot survive long on a non-living surface, so there is no real risk of your child getting infected with herpes. I hope the information helps, and always remember to wash hands or use a sanitizer before changing the diapers.