The rise in herpes cases in the United States has become a matter of concern as it is contagious. If you also vape weed or marijuana, you may wonder, “Can you get herpes from sharing a vape?” Though herpes spreads through skin-to-skin or genital contact, there can be a possibility of high risk due to vape sharing. While vape sharing is not a direct way for herpes transmission, certain factors can make it possible, which we’ll discuss in this blog. Additionally, we’ll learn how to reduce this risk.
Understanding Herpes Transmission
Herpes is a common viral infection caused by two types of herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) which are responsible for its spread. Those viruses include:
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HSV-1: Causes oral herpes around the mouth and surrounding area.
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HSV-2: Causes genital herpes, transmitted sexually through skin-to-skin contact.
Around 57%-80% of adults in the U.S. have oral herpes caused by HSV-1 and around 16.2% have genital herpes from HSV-2. Both viruses are contagious, raising concern about their role in spreading herpes in case of sharing a vape.
Can You Get Herpes From Sharing a Vape?
The answer is yes! You can get herpes from sharing a vape.
According to one research, there is a probability of getting herpes from sharing a vape. Experts report that herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) can live on objects made of plastic or metal like a vape’s surface and pass to others. However, their lifespan is shorter as these surfaces are more prone to air exposure and temperature changes. Moreover, the mouthpieces of vapes are also unfavorable for survival for the viruses as they are designed using plastic or metal.
However, there is a risk of herpes from sharing a vape. Hence, you need to be cautious about it and maintain good hygiene.
Reasons of getting Herpes From Vape Sharing
There is an increased possibility of herpes transmission from sharing a vape due to the following factors:
When you share and use the vape with someone with active oral herpes, there might be a chance that the HSV-1 virus is present in their saliva. This virus can transfer into the vape’s mouthpiece or internal parts, raising the chance of getting the virus in the mouth while vaping.
If someone has active oral sores or blisters inside or near their mouth, using the shared vape can lead to the spread of the virus in your mouth. The chances are high especially if the vape’s mouthpieces or any parts get in contact with those open blisters or sores.
The vape surface can be the survival ground for HSV if someone living with active herpes infection uses it. The herpes virus can live outside the body for a short time. Hence, there can be a possibility for the virus to move on the vape’s mouthpieces or other parts. If you use the vape, it can lead to transmission risks.
Time of using a shared vape can also contribute to the higher risk of getting herpes infection. The probability of such an infection becomes more when you use it immediately after the particular person with active HSV has it.
How High is the Risk of Getting Infected from Herpes through Vape Sharing?
The risk of getting herpes infection from sharing a vape is very low compared to its skin-to-skin transmission, but it is not completely zero. Several factors can impact the possibility of herpes transmission:
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Active Outbreak: The transmission risk is high if an individual you are sharing a vape with has an active breakout, meaning active herpes virus.
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Length of Contact: The chances of transmission increase with more frequent sharing and use of the same vape pen with a person with active herpes.
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Oral Herpes: HSV can easily pass to you if you share a vape with a person with oral herpes, even if they don’t have noticeable sores.
How Long Does the Herpes Virus Survive?
Understanding how long the herpes virus can survive in or outside the body is crucial to prevent the risk of transmission:
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Saliva: For up to 2 hours
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Dry surfaces: For up to 7 days.
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Plastic: For around 2 to 4 hours.
These factors contribute to the harboring of the herpes virus and lead to increased risk of transmission, thus understanding the detection window of herpes is crucial.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Herpes Virus Transmission
If you have concerns regarding herpes virus transmission from sharing a vape, consider these practical steps to reduce the risk:
Avoid sharing your vape pens if you suspect someone has a herpes infection as it can prevent contact with infected saliva.
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Consider Hygienic Practices
Clean and disinfect the mouthpiece of your vape regularly using sanitizing cloths or alcohol wipes to reduce virus transmission.
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Use Individual Mouthpieces
If you need to share the vape, make sure to use separate mouthpieces or even disposable covers to form a barrier between each user, preventing exposure to infected surfaces.
If you or someone you are sharing the vape with has visible oral herpes symptoms, avoid it to prevent mouth contact.
Openly share your herpes status with your partner. Using contraceptive methods during sexual intercourse can prevent the risk of transmission.
What To Do If You Get Herpes?
If you experience herpes symptoms such as sores, blisters, or itchiness:
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Consult a Doctor: Seek medical help immediately as the first herpes attack is often seen as severe. The proper diagnosis can confirm the responsible herpes virus.
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Start Antiviral Treatment: Doctors can prescribe famciclovir, acyclovir, or valacyclovir to relieve outbreaks and symptoms.
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Apply OTC Creams: Use over-the-counter (OTC) creams or ointments to reduce discomfort from oral sores.
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Avoid Virus Transmission: Avoid oral sex, kissing, or sexual contact at the time of outbreak. Don’t share your items such as towels, utensils, or razors.
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Practice Safe Sex: Always use condoms or other barrier methods to prevent herpes transmission to your partner.
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Boost Your Immunity: Consume nutritious food, exercise regularly, and have quality sleep to boost your immune system and prevent herpes outbreaks.
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Stay Informed: Know about triggers such as illnesses, stress, etc. which are responsible for worsening the symptoms and take steps to reduce them.
Read Also Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Tested for Herpes
Myths vs Facts About the Herpes Transmission
The following are some misconceptions along with facts:
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Myths
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Fact
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Herpes virus (HPV) can’t spread when you have no visible sores.
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Herpes virus can spread even with no symptoms.
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Individuals having cold sores can only spread HPV.
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Genital herpes can also be transmitted not just through cold sores but also through oral-genital contact.
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Herpes can be transmitted from public places or toilet seats.
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Herpes is primarily transmitted via direct skin-to-skin touch and not from surfaces.
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HPV always spreads through sexual activity.
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HPV can also spread through kissing, skin-to-skin contact, or oral sex.
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Read Also How is Herpes Transmitted Non Sexually? 4 Unknown Ways
Final Thoughts
Can you get herpes from sharing a vape? Yes, there can be the possibility. Factors like saliva transfer, open sores, contaminated surfaces, and use timing can increase the risk of herpes infection. However, the likelihood is higher in cases of active outbreak, longer contact, and oral herpes. Hence, you need to be cautious about it and reduce the risk by avoiding sharing vapes, watching out for herpes symptoms, and maintaining good hygiene.
Avoid sharing your vape and stay safe!
Read Also What Can Cause a False Positive Herpes Test? 5 Reasons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to get herpes from sharing vapes?
Though the herpes transmission risk from vape sharing is low compared to direct skin-to-skin or genital contact, the probability is higher in case someone has visible oral sores.
Can you still have herpes from sharing vapes with people with no symptoms?
Yes, there is a possibility because of the asymptomatic viral shedding meaning releasing viral particles while eating, exhaling, or talking even without symptoms.
When do you experience the herpes symptoms after sharing a vape?
The herpes symptoms appear within 2-12 days after exposure to HSV. However, some individuals might not ever see any visible symptoms.
Is herpes curable?
No, herpes is not curable, however, it is manageable. Medications, OTC creams, ointments, and self-care can help relieve the symptoms.
