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Can children get herpes simplex 1 by sharing cups?
My wife worries constantly about our 5 year old sharing cups and plates with other kids, saying that he's at risk for getting herpes from them. Is this really possible?
2 Answers
Yes, it is theoretically possible to contract herpes virus infection from sharing cups, as the virus is shed in the saliva, sometimes even when no cold sore is present. Other infections can also be spread in this way. It is probably best to avoid cup sharing.
Randall Fisher, M.D.
Yes. Kissing, sharing food and utensils can spread the virus.