 [ Symptoms ] can someone spread genital herpes by sharing a soap with family members either in the shower or sink [ Disease ] it is called an std for a reason hon if all it took to get was touching the same object then we would all have it and it would be a non topic by now the virus does not live very long away from the body that is to say that technically the surface of your skin isoutside of your body but contact with the infected area of your skin can spread it always wash your hands and try not to let anyone come into contact with the area of infection if at all avoidable the germ killing properties inherent in soap will stop the virus then and there i definitely would not share the same wash cloth but that is more of a general hygiene rule anyway the risk from the soap is nil the risk from sharing drinks utensils lip balm are much much higher