A neurologist has issued a crucial health warning about the risks of sharing drinks, emphasizing that what seems like a harmless social habit can have serious consequences. Dr Baibing Chen, also known as Dr Bing on TikTok, shared insights from his medical experience, highlighting how sharing cups or bottles can facilitate the transmission of dangerous pathogens, including those causing meningitis.
In a viral video, Dr Bing explained, “I don’t share drinks with people I don’t know. While this may seem obvious to some, others might think it’s harmless. But passing a drink around at parties or taking a sip from someone else’s cup can lead to serious infections.”
He pointed out that beyond the risks of substances being slipped into drinks, sharing beverages can spread viruses such as herpes, mononucleosis (glandular fever), and enteroviruses—many of which can impact brain health.
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Enteroviruses, numbering over 70 different types that affect humans, may cause a variety of symptoms ranging from rashes and blurred vision to serious conditions like pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the heart’s protective sac. More alarmingly, enteroviruses can infect the brain, leading to inflammation and neurological complications such as meningitis, acute flaccid paralysis, or even coma.
Dr Bing recounted a vivid case of a young adult he treated who developed viral meningitis after sharing drinks at a music festival. “They initially thought it was just a hangover,” he said, “until seizures began.” This experience underscores the importance of precaution: “Even if it seems like an overreaction, I always use my own glass.”
Meningitis is a severe infection affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although it is most common in babies, children, and young people, it can strike at any age. The NHS cautions that meningitis can rapidly worsen and become life-threatening if not treated promptly, potentially causing sepsis or lasting brain and nerve damage.
Symptoms of meningitis often appear suddenly and may include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and vomiting. The infection can spread through close contact such as sneezing, coughing, or kissing. If meningitis is suspected, immediate medical attention by calling emergency services is critical.
Dr Bing’s message is clear: to protect brain health and avoid serious infections like meningitis, never share drinks with others.