n 2017, a woman from Zhejiang, China, went to a karaoke lounge for what she thought would be a fun night of singing, but it turned into an unexpected ordeal that would affect her for years. While enjoying her time with friends, she held the microphone close to her mouth—a habit many share when belting out their favorite songs. Unbeknownst to her, that microphone carried the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), likely left behind by a previous user. That single moment of contact changed everything for her.
Sometime after that night, she began noticing blisters forming around her lips. They were painful, swollen, and itchy, but she initially brushed it off as a minor issue and took some anti-inflammatory medication. The relief was short-lived, though, as the blisters kept returning. Growing worried, she sought medical advice, and a doctor confirmed she had contracted herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). She’s certain the microphone was the culprit, as her symptoms started soon after that karaoke session.
Herpes is a viral infection that causes fluid-filled blisters on the skin, and once it’s in your system, it stays there for life. There’s no cure, though treatments can help manage the symptoms. For this woman, the past eight years have been marked by recurring outbreaks. The blisters have appeared around her mouth and nose, and more recently, they’ve even spread to her cheeks. Each flare-up brings not just physical discomfort but also an emotional weight. “I have to carry this virus for life,” she’s said, reflecting the toll it’s taken on her.
The herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, and HSV-1, which she has, often causes cold sores around the mouth. It can spread through skin contact, saliva, or even shared objects like a microphone—especially if someone with an active sore used it before. There’s also HSV-2, typically linked to genital herpes and spread through sexual contact, but both types can affect various parts of the body. Medications can lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks, but they can’t eliminate the virus entirely. This makes awareness and prevention key, especially in public places where hygiene might slip through the cracks.
Wanting to turn her struggle into something positive, she recently shared her story on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok. Her post hit home for many, sparking sympathy and appreciation from those who saw it. “That’s something to watch out for next time we’re at karaoke,” one commenter noted, while another quipped, “This is why we shouldn’t kiss strangers!” Her experience has opened up discussions about hygiene in shared spaces, highlighting how a quick wipe-down of equipment could prevent such infections.
