Oral herpes, also known as cold sores, is prevalent. Survey data from the World Health Organization shows that around two-thirds of those under 50 are infected. Herpes spreads from one person to another in several ways.
It often spreads through oral contacts, such as kissing and saliva. Genital herpes can spread through sexual activity. It can spread from oral sexual intercourse to regular sexual sex. Many rumors are floating about HSB-1 transmission. The most popular belief is that you can get herpes from sharing a glass of wine.
Like many myths about STDs, this one is false. Although technically, it is possible to get the herpes virus from sharing a glass of water, it’s doubtful that it will spread.
What Is Herpes, and Why Are They So Common?
Herpes can be transmitted sexually through intimate contact.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are both forms of the herpes common virus.
HSV-1 is most commonly associated with oral types. However, oral types can also be caused by oral sex.
HSV-2 tends to be more common in genital herpes. However, HSV-2 may also be associated with oral sex.
How can you get your herpes?
Oral herpes can also be spread by oral-to–oral contact like kissing or sharing drinks.
You can also get it if you have anal, vaginal, and oral sex with someone with genital herpes. You can also get genital herpes by having oral sex with someone who has it.
Dr. Benitez said that while the likelihood of contracting it from toilet seats or bedding or swimming pools or sharing silverware, soap, or towels is very low, it is possible.
A herpes outbreak doesn’t necessarily mean that there will be an outbreak. However, the most common symptoms of herpes are usually felt 3 days before an outbreak.
What if you share a drink and get herpes?
The short answer is that it’s impossible to contract herpes by sharing a beverage. Although it’s possible to transmit herpes via sharing drinks, experts say it’s unlikely.
One main reason is that the herpes virus quickly dies when exposed to oxygen. Even if a person has herpes, drinking from your straw will not affect the virus’s ability to weaken and kill them within hours.
What if you share a drink and get herpes?
It is doubtful that a person will get herpes from drinking.
However, it’s technically possible.
You can transmit herpes via saliva. So if you are infected with active herpes, you must use a straw and a cup immediately.
A shared drink is not likely to give rise to herpes, except in the case of active cold sores.
The virus is not resistant to surface contact and does not survive long on surfaces.
Although it is doubtful you’ll get herpes from drinking with others, keeping your hygiene up is a good idea, and not sharing food, beverages, or towels with anyone you don’t know.
How does herpes spread to others?
The most common way herpes can be transmitted through sexual activity. This includes oral sex, vaginal and anal sex. These situations, unlike sharing a drink or straw with a friend, are more likely to result in the transmission of the herpes virus. This makes safe sex practices so essential and herpes screening so crucial.
However, can you get herpes from sharing a soda with a friend? However, it’s doubtful. If you have a herpes outbreak, be cautious. If sores are moistened or open, oral herpes is remarkably contagious. HSV is a condition that can lead to sores such as fever, blisters, or cold sores. This could include drinking or kissing someone else.
Baby herpes can be very dangerous. Even though they can be adorable, avoid kissing babies – even your own – if you have an infection. Many adults living today with oral herpes contracted it as children from unwise adults.
How to lower your risk of contracting herpes
There are scientific-backed ways to reduce the risk of getting herpes. Number one: Use a condom for sex. Dr. Luellwitz believes that condom usage–the whole thing, every time- can lower the risk for transmission.
He suggests being honest with your sexual partners and asking them about their sexual history and STI testing history.
How is herpes transmitted?
Herpes is most commonly transmitted by direct physical contact. This includes oral contact and genital contact. The transmission of herpes can also occur through the use of sex toys. You can spread herpes to your partner by touching infected areas with your fingers.
Safe sex is key to preventing herpes from spreading. You can avoid infection by using protection and not contacting infected people skin-to-skin.
Other than sexual activities, herpes can also spread through non-sexual activity.
Handshakes, also known as herpes on hands or herpetic whitlow, can spread herpes and cause painful blisters.
It can also transmit through birth. Unknowingly, a mother with an active case can transmit the herpes virus to her baby’s newborn by having her baby pass through her birth canal.