For those who have to borrow mats, they are advised to thoroughly clean it with a disinfectant before they use it.
They should also make sure they lay down a towel on top of the mat to ‘minimise direct skin contact’, Dr Greuner recommends.
Can it really be passed on through skin contact?
However, the outlandish claim that herpes can be passed through contact has long been disputed by researchers.
Mayo Clinic experts say that the chances are ‘nearly impossible’ – suggesting there’s no reason to avoid yoga studios.