From the Guidelines
Sharing food does not typically spread herpes, as the virus is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) transmission is well-documented, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the importance of understanding the natural history of the disease, including the potential for recurrent episodes, asymptomatic viral shedding, and sexual transmission 1. The virus dies quickly outside the body and is not typically spread through shared food, utensils, or drinks. However, in rare circumstances, transmission might occur if someone with an active oral herpes lesion (cold sore) directly touches food that is immediately consumed by another person, or if sharing utensils or drinks when the infected person has an active cold sore around their mouth. Some key points to consider include:
- Herpes transmission typically requires direct contact with the virus from skin or mucous membranes
- Sexual contact is the primary transmission route for genital herpes
- Kissing is a common transmission route for oral herpes
- Asymptomatic viral shedding can occur, allowing for transmission even when no lesions are present 1 To minimize any theoretical risk, it is recommended to:
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with someone who has an active cold sore
- Wait until sores have completely healed before sharing food items if you have oral herpes.
From the Research
Risk of Spreading Herpes through Food Sharing
- The study 2 investigated the persistence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) on various surfaces and food matrices, and found that it can persist for at least 24 hours on all surfaces and at least 1 hour on food matrices.
- The same study 2 also found that temperature and pH can affect HSV-1 infectivity, and that transfer of HSV-1 can occur from stainless steel to latex gloves, especially when moistened.
- These findings suggest that sharing food with infected carriers may pose some risk of spreading HSV-1 2.
- However, it's worth noting that HSV-1 is not typically considered a foodborne virus, and more research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with sharing food and spreading the virus.
Herpes Simplex Virus Transmission and Treatment
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections are highly contagious and can cause recurrent and incurable diseases 3, 4.
- The primary mode of transmission for HSV is through skin-to-skin contact, and treatment typically involves antiviral medications such as acyclovir 3, 5, 4.
- While acyclovir can help shorten the duration of symptoms and improve quality of life, it is not a cure for HSV infections 3, 5, 4.
- Other treatment options, such as photodynamic therapy, are being explored for the treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores) 6.