Herpes B Transmission: Understanding How Herpes Simplex Virus Spreads

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes oral herpes, is not usually transmitted through saliva. This means that you cannot get oral herpes simply by sharing utensils, drinking from the same cup, or kissing someone on the cheek. However, HSV-1 can be spread through close contact with an infected person's saliva, such as through kissing on the lips or sharing a toothbrush. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes, is usually spread through sexual contact. Although it is possible to get genital herpes from oral sex, this is not a common occurrence.