Can herpes simplex virus be spread via sharing drinks and food?

There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus (HSV) -- HSV type 1 and 2 [1].

1. HSV type 1 is the main cause of cold sores or oral herpes infection, although it can also cause genital ulcers.
2. HSV type 2 is the main cause of genital infection, although it can also cause cold sores.

Oral and genital herpes present with blisters and ulcers on the mouth and genital areas respectively. Genital herpes is spread through sexual contact. It is spread through direct skin to skin contact with an affected individual. This cannot be spread through the sharing of drinks and food.

Oral herpes can be spread through kissing and the risk is highest when the contact has active blisters and ulcers. There is a possibility of spreading oral herpes through sharing cups and utensils, though the risk is far lower than direct kissing and skin to skin contact.

References:

1. Singh A, Preiksaitis J, Romanowski B. The Laboratory Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology. 2005;16(2):92-98. doi:10.1155/2005/318294

Two types of herpes simplex virus infections can cause genital herpes [1]:

HSV-1

This is the type that usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around a person's mouth. HSV-1 is often spread through skin-to-skin contact, though it can be spread to the genital area during oral sex [2]. Recurrences are much less frequent than they are with HSV-2 infection [3].

HSV-2

This is the type that commonly causes genital herpes. The virus spreads through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. HSV-2 is very common and highly contagious, whether or not you have an open sore [2].

Because the virus dies quickly outside of the body, it's nearly impossible to get the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person [4].

References:

1. Genital herpes: Overview. Nih.gov. Published June 27, 2018. Accessed December 20, 2019.

2. Genital Herpes: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments. Healthhub.sg. Published 2019. Accessed December 20, 2019.

3. STD Facts - Genital Herpes (Detailed version). Published 2019. Accessed December 20, 2019.

4. Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat? Mayo Clinic. Published 2017. Accessed December 20, 2019.