My roommate accidentally used my chapstick and 2 days later I realized she had a cold sore on her lip. I wanted to know if sharing of chapstick or lipstick spreads herpes. I have heard that the herpes virus is highly contagious.

Herpes stigma is real and affects many people, so we are glad you want to clarify your understanding of transmission.

Sharing lip balms has the potential for transmitting herpes, even though this is not a common way herpes spreads. Sharing chapstick or lipstick should be avoided to reduce risk of transmission.

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