Yes, you can, although improbable, sharing a straw or glass object could theoretically result in the transmission of herpes.
For a very little period of time, the virus may spread through saliva that contains the virus and gets into a drink, on a glass, or on a straw.
Herpes comes in two different varieties: HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). Compared to HSV-2, HSV-1 causes cold sores and is much more prevalent.
About 47.8% of people in the United States have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and 11.9% have herpes simplex virus type 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
A sore that is prone to fluid leakage is the most typical herpes symptom.
Herpes can be contracted by physical contact with these open sores, though occasionally lesions are not necessary for transmission to take place.
The virus can be found in saliva as well as other bodily fluids like vaginal secretions.
Herpes is exceedingly unlikely to spread through a drink, glass, or straw if there isn’t an outbreak or open sores. Herpes can spread through saliva left behind on dishes during an acute epidemic.
The virus has a very little life period, therefore this is still doubtful.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Sharing a drink, a glass, or a straw can very rarely but occasionally result in the transmission of herpes.
✅ Always wash anything you want to bring near your mouth if it has been used by someone else, and exercise caution while sharing any type of dishware that is used in public settings.
✅ When having intercourse with someone new or someone you know has herpes, use barrier techniques like condoms and dental dams to prevent the spread of the virus.
Can sharing a drink give you herpes?
Sharing a drink with someone who has herpes, even during an active outbreak, almost eliminates the possibility of contracting the disease. Although it’s unlikely that sharing drinks can cause you to get herpes, it’s a good idea to avoid sharing glasses, dishes, or other items like towels or utensils with people you don’t know or who you know are infected.
How the herpes virus is spread?
The main way that herpes is transmitted is by direct physical contact. Oral-to-oral contact and genital sex without the use of a barrier device like a condom are examples of this. Active sores that are oozing virus-filled fluid are more likely to spread the infection. However, the virus can spread even when there isn’t a current outbreak.
Some people get symptoms right once after contracting the virus or months or years later. However, not everyone experiences symptoms; the virus can linger in the body for years without spreading.
Herpes virus outbreak cycles have times when the virus is more prone to spread. Including when:
- The infected region starts to itch and feel uncomfortable (about 3 days before an outbreak)
- Sores that are bleeding, open, or otherwise wet (even without direct contact)
- nursing while having an open sore on the breast
- Although the virus sheds, there are no symptoms.
Herpes virus transmission during labor is extremely rare.
The herpes virus lives outside the body, but for how long?
The herpes virus can survive outside of the body for various lengths of time. According to estimates, it may last anywhere from a few hours to a week.
Other fallacies regarding the transmission of herpes
There are other lies about how herpes spreads. Here are a few details:
- Even in the absence of open lesions, herpes can spread.
- The herpes virus can exist even in the absence of symptoms because once contracted, the virus remains in your body indefinitely.
- Even when there are no exchanged fluids during oral or anal intercourse, herpes can still be spread. Sharing a sex object with the mouth, anus, or genitalia is also included in this.
- Even if there is no tongue in the kiss, herpes can still be spread through it.
Safeguards against sharing utensils
Herpes is not likely to spread through the sharing of a drink, a straw, or a glass. However, you should avoid exchanging items with someone who might be suffering from an infection like the flu, a cold, or strep throat.
Here are some precautions you may take to avoid contracting an infection:
- If you receive a dirty glass at a restaurant, cafeteria, or any other location where dishware is shared, such as your workplace, request a clean glass.
- Before preparing food, clean any surface you intend to use to avoid spreading bacteria or viruses.
- Avoid using the same cutting board to prepare raw meat and vegetables or other meals that don’t require cooking.
- Especially if you’re unwell, wash your hands right away after handling raw meat before touching any other surfaces or foods.
- Completely disinfect any surface that was used to prepare raw meat or other foods that could have viruses or bacteria on them.