Can I kiss after being infected with Helicobacter pylori?

Feb 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, kissing should be avoided after infection with Helicobacter pylori to prevent transmission. To reduce the risk of infection, infected individuals should actively seek treatment, following medical advice to use medications such as Amoxicillin tablets, Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated tablets, and Rabeprazole Sodium Enteric-coated tablets. Additionally, individuals should strengthen personal hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently and using personal tableware.

Generally, after being infected with Helicobacter pylori, kissing should be avoided as it can easily lead to transmission. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Helicobacter pylori mainly resides in the human stomach and duodenum and is contagious. Its primary transmission route is oral-to-oral. When an infected person has oral contact with another individual, such as kissing, Helicobacter pylori may be transmitted through saliva, thereby infecting the other person's stomach. During kissing, large amounts of saliva are exchanged, creating favorable conditions for the transmission of Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, to avoid Helicobacter pylori infection, kissing should be avoided after infection. If kissing is desired, it should occur only after the Helicobacter pylori infection has been cleared.

To reduce the risk of infection, individuals should actively seek treatment. Medications such as amoxicillin tablets, esomeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets, and rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets may be used as directed by a physician. Additionally, individuals should maintain good personal hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing and using personal tableware.