The main way that herpes spreads is by direct contact with an infected person either through touching a cold sore or herpes blister or by kissing them or otherwise coming into contact with their saliva. Less commonly, you may be able to be exposed to herpes simplex virus by sharing a cup, razor, utensil, lip balm, or other inanimate object that has had direct contact with the fluid from a herpes blister and is used immediately afterward.