Quote Originally Posted by Spagett
Hey, sorry for making a topic when I've only had 1 post, but I just wanted to have this question answered; I hope it's in the right section.

Anyways, I was wondering if it's possible to catch diseases like cold sores and herpes via sharing pipes?

Thanks a lot!
The herpes simplex a (cold sore virus) will be present at different times in the saliva of an infected person. Using the same toothbrush or eating and drinking utensils can transmit the virus, but kissing an infected person is the best way to catch it.

Highest concentrations of the virus are present in saliva whilst the infected person has an active herpes blister, but if the carrier is a 'shedder' they may have virus present in saliva constantly without ever fully developing blisters. Many 'shedders' don't know they have herpes unless they have bloods done.

Adds a new dimension to 'sharing a pipe'. :hippy:

ps the virus is present in highest concentration on the surface of the actual blisters. I only mentioned saliva transmission because it is of most relevance to the question.