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Can you Get Herpes from Sharing a Drink

You’re probably wondering, can you can get herpes from sharing a drink? You don’t want to endanger your loved ones, so keep reading to learn more about the possibility of contracting herpes from sharing drinks.

Can You Get Herpes From Sharing a Drink

The Type Of Herpes

HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) are the two types of herpes (genital herpes).

HSV-1, which causes cold sores, is far more frequently transmitted than HSV-2.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 47.8 percent of adults in the United States.

Have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and 11.9 percent have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

The most common herpes symptom is a sore that can leak fluid. Herpes can be contracted through physical contact with these active sores.

Though sometimes sores are not required for transmission to occur.

1. Oral Herpes

According to the American Sexual Health Association, approximately half of all adults in the United States have oral herpes.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the most common cause of oral herpes (HSV-1).

Although not everyone experiences symptoms, oral herpes can cause cold sores or blisters around the mouth.

Oral herpes spread when you come into contact with the virus, which can be found in herpes lesions, saliva, or on the mouth’s surfaces.

Close contact, such as kissing or sharing personal items, such as lipstick or eating utensils, can cause transmission.

Oral herpes is more likely to occur in childhood. During oral sex, it can be transmitted to the genitals.

2. Genital Herpes

HSV-1 or HSV-2 causes genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can be passed to the mouth via oral sex.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 have genital herpes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, genital herpes is more easily transmitted from a male to a female.

So females have a slightly higher risk of contracting the infection.

Risks of Sharing Drinks, Eating Utensils, and Other Items

So Can You Get Herpes From Sharing a Drink? Of course, this does not mean that sharing drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes, and food is completely risk-free.

Sharing items that come into contact with your lips and mouth can spread.

There is also a slight risk of contracting oral herpes from a glass or straw if you use it very close to an infected person.  

If their saliva remains on the rim of the glass for over 10 seconds, it can provide a haven for the herpes virus.

More Information on Risks of Sharing Drinks, Eating Utensils

In a nutshell, yes. The likelihood of contracting herpes from a drink, eating utensils, or toothbrush is extremely low.

You are far more likely to contract the virus through kissing or sex.

However, for hygiene reasons, it is still best to avoid sharing drinks, eating utensils, and any other items that come into direct contact with your lips.

If you believe you have come into contact with the herpes virus, see a doctor right away to be tested.

If you have HSV-1 or HSV-2, your doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs such as valacyclovir.

Can you Get Herpes from Drinking after Someone?

Can you Get Herpes from Drinking after Someone?

The chances of contracting herpes from sharing a drink with someone who has herpes — even an active outbreak — are almost nil.

While sharing drinks is unlikely to cause herpes, it’s always a good idea to avoid sharing glasses, dishware, or other objects, such as towels or silverware.

With someone you don’t know or with someone you know has herpes.

How Can Herpes be Transmitted?

Herpes is primarily transmitted through physical contact.

This includes oral-to-oral contact and oral, anal, or genital sex without the use of a barrier method, such as condoms.

Active sores that leak virus-containing fluid are more likely to spread the infection.

However, the virus can be transmitted even when there is no active outbreak.

Some people develop symptoms immediately after contracting the virus, while others develop symptoms months or years later.

However, not everyone exhibits symptoms: the virus can remain dormant in the body for years before causing an outbreak.

Herpes Dies Quickly When Exposed to Air

HSV-1 and HSV-2, the two most common types of herpes virus, multiply rapidly after infecting a new host.

Outside the body, however, the herpes virus is quite fragile and cannot survive for long.

In our guide on whether you can catch herpes from a toilet seat, the herpes virus dies in about 10 seconds when exposed to normal air.

This means that you only have a limited time to catch herpes through shared glasses, utensils, toothbrushes, and other items that come into direct oral contact with an infected person.

Herpes symptoms can be so mild that you don’t realize you have it. That’s one of the reasons it’s so easy to transmit the virus to others.

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1. Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV-2)

The most visible symptoms of genital herpes caused by HSV-2 are clusters of blisters (lesions). They can appear on the vulva and penis, as well as around the anus and inside the thighs.

Blisters on the vagina, cervix, or testicles are also possible. Blisters can rupture and develop into sores, causing:

  • itchiness
  • genital pain
  • painful urination, especially if urine touches the sores
  • trouble urinating if the urethra becomes blocked

The infection isn’t always that severe, though. Instead of blisters, you might have what appear to be pimples, small insect bites, or even ingrown hair.

More Information on Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV-2)

If you’re a woman, you may experience vaginal discharge that resembles a yeast infection. If you’re a guy, it might feel like jock itch.

During your first outbreak, you may also feel like you’re getting the flu, with symptoms such as:

  • swollen glands in your throat, under your arms, or near the groin
  • headache
  • general achiness
  • tiredness
  • fever
  • chills

Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1)

Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1)

You may not have any symptoms if you have HSV-1. If you do, it is likely that you will develop cold sores around your mouth and lips.

It’s less common, but sores inside your mouth can occur.

It is possible that the sores will tingle, sting, or burn. Sores in or around the mouth can be painful when eating or drinking sometimes. They usually go away after a few weeks.

During an initial HSV-1 outbreak, you may experience flu-like symptoms, similar to HSV-2. Outbreaks can occur as quickly as a few weeks apart, or they can last for years.

What Does a Herpes Outbreak Feel Like?

What Does A Herpes Outbreak Feel Like?

Symptoms usually appear 2 weeks after exposure. The initial outbreak is usually the most severe.

You may initially experience flu-like symptoms. Before the lesions appear, you may experience itching or discomfort around your genitals or mouth.

Future outbreaks are likely to be milder and shorter. Herpes is only contagious during an outbreak, as you may have heard.

It can, however, be transmitted even when there are no visible signs.

For these reasons, before assuming or blaming, try to talk with your sexual partners.

It can be a difficult situation to deal with. Learning you have herpes can elicit a wide range of emotions.

More Information on What Does a Herpes Outbreak Feel Like

It is critical to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

If you have herpes, your doctor can give you important information about how to manage your condition.

Make a list of questions ahead of time to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are having difficulty understanding the information.

The more you learn about herpes, the better prepared you will be to manage your symptoms and condition.

Your healthcare provider will assist you in developing a treatment plan that is appropriate for your medical needs.

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What Causes or Triggers a Recurrence?

It’s not always easy to tell when you have a herpes outbreak. However, tingling, itching, and pain are some common early warning signs of an impending attack.

This can happen one or two days before blisters appear.

If you have HSV-2, you may experience four or five outbreaks per year. The frequency with which outbreaks occur varies from person to person. Outbreaks may also become less frequent.

People who have HSV-1 have fewer outbreaks.

How to Treat Herpes?

How To Treat Herpes?

“People frequently Google herpes and read as much as they can on sites that are not credible or confirmed by a professional provider,” Dr. Benitez explains.

“It’s critical to get the right information while avoiding undue stress.” Can You Get Herpes From Sharing a Drink.

A primary care doctor can walk patients through the entire process and develop a treatment plan that includes recognizing symptoms, preventing outbreaks, and recommending medication.

Also, discuss how to approach their partner or a potential partner, and, if it becomes too much of a stressor, help in accessing mental health resources.

Conclusion 

Can You Get Herpes From Sharing a Drink? According to the World Health Organization, 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 have oral herpes, and 417 million people aged 15 to 49 have genital herpes.

According to Dr. Maya Benitez, there has always been a stigma associated with sexually transmitted diseases, particularly herpes.

Aside from the stigma, being diagnosed with a disease with no cure and no direct definitive treatment is stressful. However, don’t let it overwhelm you.

We hope you find this article useful. Please share with family and friends.

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