Herpes is more contagious when the sores open, leak, or moisten fluid. Until the scabs heal, they will fall off. Although herpes is most commonly spread among those with no symptoms, it can also be transmitted to others. The majority of oral herpes sufferers were infected as children.
Herpes can infect the linings of the eyes, mouth, penis, or penis. It can infect skin if it has been cut, chafed, burned, or has other sores.
If someone has oral herpes, they may develop fever blisters or cold sores around their mouth or lips. These sores might also be found inside the mouth. This is not a common symptom of oral herpes. The symptoms can last for several weeks, then disappear. They may return within weeks, months, or years. They can be bothersome but are usually harmless in adults and children. Cold sores are very dangerous to newborns.
What is herpes exactly?
There are two types of herpes virus (HSV).
HSV-1 most often causes oral herpes. It can also cause fever blisters on the lips and around the mouth.
HSV-2 most often causes genital herpes. The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
Both are highly contagious.
Many people don’t experience symptoms. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be transmitted in a way that is not visible to the eye.
A herpes outbreak is usually characterized by one or several blisters on the genitals, the rectum, or your mouth. The blisters may break and leave sores that will take several weeks to heal. The person who has the first outbreak may also experience flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, swelling glands, etc.
Herpes can quickly spread to others when they are exposed to air.
HSV-1 & HSV-2, two of the most common forms, are fast multiplying once they infect a host. Outside the body, the herpes virus can’t live alone for long.
Our guide on whether or not you can get herpes from your toilet seat explains that it takes just 10 seconds for the virus to die when exposed.
This means you only have a brief window of time to get herpes by sharing glasses, utensils, or toothbrushes with someone infected.
You can get herpes by having a drink with someone.
While it is unlikely you would get herpes from sharing your drink with someone, it is possible.
This is because oral types can spread from HSV-1 to HSV-2 and cause the herpes virus in saliva. Someone else can be infected by saliva left over from a drink.
Although it is unlikely that the herpes virus could spread through drinking, straws, or an outbreak, it is possible for someone infected to not has active sores or an active infection. Still, it’s best to avoid sharing drinks or food with someone you don’t know.
How to Protect yourself against HSV-1
To reduce your risk of contracting oral herpes, there are several precautions you can take. HSV-1 can spread beyond the area where there are visible fever blisters. HSV-1 can be stopped by practicing safe behaviors.
- You can request a fresh, clean glass if you’re given a dirty wine glass at a restaurant. You cannot know who took it out or what illness lurks within the glass.
- Before you prepare any food, make sure you clean the kitchen.
- Wash your hands often
- HSV-1 is spread through sharing, not caring. Avoid sharing meals with others to minimize exposure.
- Do not kiss someone infected on the lips.
- Share a toothbrush and not with your infected partner.
- If you have an oral herpes infection, don’t allow your partner to perform oral sexual acts on you. The cold sores could spread to your genitals via oral sex.
Are you able to contract herpes by sharing a glass of wine?
Now that you know what herpes means and how it spreads, let’s get to the core question “Can you get herpes sharing a drink?”
It is almost impossible to get herpes by sharing or drinking with infected people. It was discovered that the herpes virus could be transmitted through saliva.
Although the herpes virus can survive on surfaces other than the body for up to two weeks, it has not been proved to be easily spread by sharing a glass or bottle.
Summary
Herpes can spread via skin-to-skin contact and saliva contact. It is possible to contract herpes through kissing.
Oral herpes can also occur from sharing objects and oral sex. Genital herpes is spread by oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
People can help prevent transmission by:
Avoid sexual contact and oral contact during a Herpes outbreak
Use condoms correctly whenever they have tox.
Using dental dams for oral sex
Take an anti-herpes drug daily if you’re in a relationship sexually with another person.