2023-11-15 15:32:29
Herpes is not just the kissing disease: you might catch a cold sore by biting into an apple or drinking from a can, according to researchers at Laval University.
• Read also: Observing your tongue can reveal a lot regarding your health
A new study has demonstrated that type 1 herpes persists for up to an hour on food. To reach this conclusion, the researchers tested the persistence of the virus on cheddar cheese, sliced almonds, apple peel, orange juice, cola-type soft drink, coffee and milk.
“Our results show that foods and surfaces can potentially be involved in the transmission of this virus. Even if this transmission route has never been demonstrated in humans, our study constitutes a warning regarding the sharing of food and drinks,” underlined the head of the study, Julie Jean, professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.
The latter, who is also a researcher at the Institute on Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF) at Laval University, however specified that cola is an exception “probably because of its acidity”.
The study also demonstrated that the herpes virus remains for up to 24 hours on certain surfaces such as stainless steel, aluminum, glass and plastic.
“We also assessed the transferability of the virus between a stainless steel surface and latex or nitrile gloves, such as those used by people who work in the food industry,” added Ms. Jean.
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