Oral herpes can be passed from person to person. Someone with oral herpes should not share lipstick, utensils, or drinks with others. Touching and kissing can also spread the virus.
Oral herpes causes no serious long-term effects. The virus will stay in the person's body indefinitely.
Oral herpes can be spread from person to person much like a cold or flu. Sores also can be spread to other parts of the body such as fingers or eyes. Sometimes sores can also spread to the genitals.