Can Herpes Or An STI Be Contracted By Sharing A Hookah?

Posted on Sun, 30 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 30 Sep 2018 Answered on

Thu, 5 May 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
A couple of random questions.
1) does sharing hookah (with different mouthpieces) is a risk for any herpes or any sti’s?
2) also, if there is a cut(surfacial) on the hand is casual contact a worry for sti/std?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sharing hookah, yes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Yes, sharing a hookah with a person who has active lesions in and around mouth can spread herpes and mononucleosis.

No, casual contact even with cuts on hands has very negligible chance of spreading the infection.

Hope, I answered your query. Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (2 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks.
Is sharing hookah, but not using the same mouth piece and each one using a seperate mouth piece still a cause for concern?
Would there still be exchange of saliva that can take place?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

No, not sharing the mouthpiece will not transfer any STDs but yes there is chances of infections which could affect the lungs Tuberculosis or Pneumonia.

There would be no exchange of saliva if the mouthpiece is different.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T