Question:
I have recently been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus 1. Does that mean I will never be able to kiss?
Answer:
Let's begin with a quick review of how our immune system works. When your body recognizes an invader, such as a virus, it quickly manufactures fighter cells — also known as antibodies — to that invader. Once the invader is conquered, most of those antibodies become inactive, but a few hang around…just in case! Most blood tests used to look for viruses are actually looking to detect the presence of antibodies to that virus.
So you “tested positive” for Herpes Simplex Type 1, or HSV-1. That means that there was a detectable level of antibody to HSV-1 in your blood stream. It could be a recent exposure, or a really old exposure — there is no way of telling.
HSV-1 is a very common infection; worldwide, more than 90 percent of people will test positive for the virus. Once you have the virus, it never leaves your body — it just goes to sleep in a nerve ending and “wakes up” when your defenses are down, like when you are exhausted, stressed out, sick, etc. When the virus wakes up, it can express itself in many ways such as blisters in your mouth, on your lip, in your eye, and even sometimes on your genitals.
We know that contact with active herpes lesions or oral secretions (like saliva) can lead to HSV-1 transmission to another person. In fact, studies have shown that up to 9 percent of adults have detectable HSV-1 particles in their saliva, even with no symptoms at all. However, the viral titer is 1,000 times higher in fluid obtained from actual HSV-1 lesions. As a result, transmission is MUCH more likely to happen when someone has active symptoms.
So, can you ever kiss again? I vote yes, although there is a slight chance of transmitting the virus even in the absence of any symptoms. To reduce the likelihood of transmission, if you DO have an active HSV-1 lesion (like a lip blister), skip the kiss…and give a hug!
It’s unlikely, but theoretically possible, for herpes to spread by sharing a straw or glassware. Saliva that contains the virus and ends up in a drink, or on a glass or straw, may spread the virus for a very short amount of time.
There are two types of herpes: HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). HSV-1, which shows up as cold sores, is much more commonly transmitted than HSV-2.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 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.
The most common symptom of herpes is a sore that can leak fluid. You can get herpes through physical contact with these active sores, although in some cases sores don’t have to be present for transmission to occur.
In addition to saliva, the virus can also be present in other body fluids like genital secretions.
In the absence of an outbreak or active sores, herpes is extremely unlikely to spread through a drink, glass, or straw.
During an active outbreak, herpes may be spread through traces of saliva left behind on dishware. Though, this is still unlikely because the virus has a very short lifespan.
The chances of getting herpes from sharing a drink with someone who has herpes — even an active outbreak of herpes — is next to zero.
While it’s unlikely you’ll contract herpes by sharing drinks, it’s always a good rule of thumb to avoid sharing glasses, dishware, or other objects, like towels or silverware, with someone you don’t know or with someone you know has herpes.
Herpes is primarily spread through direct physical contact. This can include oral-to-oral contact and oral, anal, or genital sex without a barrier method, such as condoms.
Active sores leaking fluid that contains the virus are more likely to spread the infection. But the virus can be transmitted even outside of an active outbreak.
Some show symptoms when they contract the virus or a few months or years down the line. But not everyone shows symptoms: The virus can lie dormant in the body for years without causing an outbreak.
There are periods during the herpes virus outbreak cycle when the virus is more likely to spread. This includes when:
- the area of infection begins to feel itchy and uncomfortable (about 3 days before an outbreak)
- sores are leaking fluid or otherwise open or moist (even without direct contact)
- breastfeeding with an open sore on the breast
- the virus is shedding, which doesn’t cause any symptoms
In rare cases, the herpes virus may be transmitted during childbirth.
The amount of time that the herpes virus can live outside of the body can vary. It’s been estimated that it can be anywhere from a few hours up to a week.
Other myths exist about how herpes spreads. Here are some of the facts:
- Herpes can spread even without the presence of active sores.
- The herpes virus can be present even without symptoms — once you contract herpes, the virus is in your body for life.
- Herpes can be contracted through oral or anal sex, even if no fluids are shared. This also includes sharing a sex toy that’s made contact with the genitals, anus, or mouth.
- Herpes can be transmitted through kissing, even if the kiss doesn’t involve any tongue.
You’re unlikely to get herpes from sharing a drink, a straw, or a glass.
But you’ll want to avoid sharing objects with someone who may have another infection, such as a cold, the flu, or strep throat.
Here’s how you can help protect yourself from getting an infection:
- Ask for a clean glass if you get a dirty glass at a restaurant, cafeteria, or anywhere where dishware is shared, such as at your workplace.
- Clean any surface you plan to use before preparing food in case bacteria or viruses are present.
- Don’t mix chopping boards by chopping or preparing raw meat on the same board as vegetables or other foods that don’t need to be cooked.
- Wash your hands immediately after handling raw meat before you touch any other surfaces or foods, especially if you’re sick.
- Thoroughly clean any surface you used to prepare raw meat or other food that might be carrying bacteria or viruses.
It’s very rare — but possible — to transmit herpes by sharing a drink, glass, or straw.
Be careful when sharing any kind of dishware that’s used in public places, and always wash anything you plan to put near your mouth if someone else may have used it.
Use barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, during sexual contact with new partners or those you know have herpes to avoid transmitting or contracting the virus.