Can You Get Herpes from Sharing a Drink?

Herpes transmission through sharing drinks is extremely unlikely but theoretically possible. The herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) primarily spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with infected areas. HSV may remain detectable on some surfaces under laboratory conditions, but this does not show that it commonly spreads from cups or utensils. In everyday settings, herpes is overwhelmingly spread through direct contact with an infected area. The virus requires direct contact with mucous membranes or broken skin to establish infection. Avoid sharing drinks with someone who has an active cold sore, although transmission this way is considered very unlikely. Direct contact with the sore or infected saliva during kissing or oral contact is a much more important route of spread.