sharing straws

ok i know this is going to sound incredibly dumb and naive, but i was just wondering whether you can catch *anything* by sharing a straw with someone?

Reply 1

xxSAMMIxx

Wow thats really interesting actually, im not sure, but whenever i have a straw and i have a cold or something, no one else will drink out of it. I will be interested to know the answer to this one.
Sorry i couldnt answer your question!

Reply 2

loopymeg

Yes, it is possible!

When you use a straw, you will leave traces of your saliva on it, and so it's very easy for you to pass on something to somebody sharing the straw.

For example, Tonsillitis is infectious and can be passed on through contact such as kissing, or by sharing utensils etc.

Reply 3

Tufts

colds and crap like that.

Not STIs though lol

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

ah ok thanks. bit worried as my mate mentionned he feels like he's getting tonsilitis and then we drank from the same straw lol. silly really.

Reply 5

loopymeg

If he really is getting Tonsillitis, then keep in mind that it has (roughly) a 30 day incubation period, which means that he could have been infected as far back as a month ago, and not know it.

Reply 6

hippieglitter

i don't think you can get anything life threatening, only viruses, colds etc.

Reply 7

fairycakes

cold sores if they are active on the other person

Reply 8

Carl

hippieglitter

i don't think you can get anything life threatening, only viruses, colds etc.

Viruses and colds can be life threatening.

re the straws, it depends *how* and *where* you share them :wink:

Reply 9

shewantstobeme

wesetters

Glandular fever, anyone ?

very true. glandular fever is horrible.
it's common, but not enough to worry about catching. and anyone with glandular fever will probably be considerate enough to not share straws or kiss random people anyway.

Reply 10

loopymeg

It's not always possible to know that you're infected with Glandular Fever in time for you to prevent sharing straws/kissing people.
Glandular Fever isn't exactly common like a cold can be, but if it's going around, then you should definitely be careful.