While direct skin-to-skin contact remains the primary mode of transmission for the herpes simplex virus (HSV), sharing a vape with an infected individual carries a potential risk of contracting the virus, according to health experts. The transmission can occur through contact with saliva containing the virus, particularly if the infected person has an active oral herpes outbreak, commonly known as a cold sore or fever blister.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the usual cause of oral herpes. It is highly contagious and can be spread through saliva or direct contact with a herpes sore. When an individual with an active cold sore uses a vape, the virus can be transferred to the mouthpiece. If another person then uses the same vape, the virus may enter their body through a small break in the skin or through the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Although the risk of transmission from inanimate objects, known as fomites, is generally considered lower than from direct personal contact, the herpes virus can survive on surfaces for a period. Studies have shown varying survival times, from a few hours to, in some conditions, several days. The moist environment of a vape mouthpiece could potentially harbor the virus.
Several health organizations and medical professionals advise against sharing items that come into contact with the mouth, such as utensils, drinks, and vaping devices, to prevent the spread of various infectious diseases, including herpes. The risk of contracting herpes from a shared vape is considered highest when the infected individual has visible sores, as the concentration of the virus is highest at this time. However, it’s also possible for the virus to be present in saliva even when no sores are apparent, a phenomenon known as asymptomatic shedding.
While some experts maintain that the likelihood of herpes transmission through objects is minimal in real-world scenarios, the possibility cannot be entirely ruled out. A case study has even suggested a link between vaping, vape sharing, and a co-infection of Candida and HSV esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus.
Beyond herpes, sharing vapes can also expose individuals to other viruses and bacteria, leading to illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and mononucleosis. Therefore, for general hygiene and to minimize the risk of infectious disease transmission, it is recommended to avoid sharing vapes.