Herpes is a common viral infection. In fact, around half of adults in the United States under the age of 50 have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Worldwide, an estimated 3.7 billion people have some form of herpes.
If so many people have herpes, you might wonder, “Can you get herpes from sharing a drink?” The answer is that it’s unlikely, but not impossible. Here’s what you should know about the different types of herpes, how they spread, what increases your risk, and how to prevent transmission.
Understanding Herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2
Herpes is a common viral infection. There are two main types:
HSV-1 (Oral Herpes)
HSV-1 is the usual cause of oral herpes, which leads to cold sores or fever blisters. Most people get it during childhood.
This type of herpes can be spread through saliva. That’s why it’s important to be careful about sharing drinks with someone who has a cold sore or even a history of cold sores.
HSV-2 (Genital Herpes)
HSV-2 generally causes genital herpes, but it can also cause oral herpes in some cases.
This type of herpes is more often spread through sexual contact, but it’s still possible to get it from sharing personal items.
Asymptomatic Transmission
One of the tricky things about herpes is that you can have it even if you don’t have any visible sores or blisters.
This means it’s possible to spread the virus even when you don’t know you have an outbreak.
How Herpes is Transmitted
Herpes spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact. Herpes spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact, including kissing, sexual contact, and even just touching a herpes sore.
HSV-1, which often causes oral herpes (cold sores), is commonly transmitted through saliva. So, sharing drinks, utensils, or even straws could potentially spread the virus. It’s worth noting that even when someone doesn’t have visible sores, the virus can still be “shed,” increasing the risk of transmission to others. This is why it’s important to be careful and aware, even when someone seems perfectly healthy.
Risks of Sharing Drinks: How Likely is Transmission?
Sharing a drink is generally considered a low-risk activity for herpes transmission, especially if the person who has herpes doesn’t have an active outbreak.
However, the risk increases significantly if the person with herpes has an active outbreak with visible sores. The presence of viral particles on the shared cup, bottle, or straw elevates the risk.
Other factors that influence the risk include:
- The strength of the exposed person’s immune system.
- The amount of virus (“viral load”) present in the person with herpes.
In short, while transmission is possible, it’s not highly probable unless an active outbreak is present.
How long does herpes live outside the body?
The herpes virus doesn’t live very long outside the body, but the exact time depends on the environment.
Herpes can survive on surfaces for a few hours or up to a week, similar to concerns around herpes survival in bathtubs. Moist environments, like a damp glass, allow the virus to survive longer.
So, when it comes to sharing a drink, it’s a matter of timing. If someone with herpes drank from the glass very recently, the risk is higher than if the glass has been sitting out for a while.
How to avoid spreading or catching herpes
While the risk of getting herpes from sharing a drink is very low, there are other ways the virus spreads. Here’s how to minimize your risk:
- Don’t share personal items. That means drinks, glasses, straws, utensils…anything that goes near someone’s mouth. Encourage your friends to do the same.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands after touching a sore, and before touching food or other people. Clean shared surfaces regularly, helping to ensure toilet seat safety and minimize the spread of infections.
- Practice safe sex. Use condoms or dental dams, even during oral sex. Be honest with your partners about your herpes status.
- Avoid contact during outbreaks. Don’t kiss or share utensils with someone who has an active herpes outbreak.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Advice
Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:
- Cold sores around the mouth (usually HSV-1)
- Genital sores or blisters (usually HSV-2)
See a doctor if:
- You develop sores or blisters that might be herpes.
- You think you might have been exposed and want to get tested.
Confidential STD testing is available, and early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage the virus if you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give herpes to my child by kissing?
Yes, unfortunately, you can. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which often causes oral herpes (cold sores), can be transmitted through direct contact like kissing. Babies are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. This is why it’s crucial to avoid kissing babies if you have an active cold sore or a history of oral herpes.
Can you get herpes from being licked out?
Yes, you can. If someone has oral herpes (HSV-1) and performs oral sex, they can transmit the virus to the genitals, causing genital herpes. Conversely, someone with genital herpes (HSV-2 or sometimes HSV-1) can transmit the virus to the mouth through oral sex.
Can herpes be transmitted through saliva?
Yes, herpes can be transmitted through saliva, especially when the virus is actively shedding, whether or not there are visible sores. This is why sharing items that come into contact with saliva, like drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes, is generally discouraged.
Can you sleep with someone with herpes and not get it?
While there’s always a risk of transmission when engaging in sexual activity with someone who has herpes, it is possible to sleep with someone who has herpes and not contract the virus. Using condoms consistently and correctly, antiviral medication, and avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks can significantly reduce the risk.
How long can herpes live on a cup?
Herpes is a fragile virus and doesn’t survive long outside the human body. While the exact survival time can vary depending on environmental factors like temperature and humidity, the virus typically becomes non-infectious within a few hours on a dry surface like a cup. However, it’s always best to avoid sharing items that come into contact with saliva to minimize any potential risk.
The Bottom Line
While the risk is low, you can get herpes from sharing a drink with someone. It’s up to you to decide if the risk is acceptable.
But there are things you can do to protect yourself and others. Good hygiene, not sharing personal items, and safe sex can all make a difference.
It’s always a good idea to be open and honest with your partners about your health. See a doctor if you have any concerns or notice any symptoms. When it comes to herpes, a little information and responsible choices can go a long way.