Is Helicobacter pylori contagious?

Under normal circumstances, Helicobacter pylori has a certain degree of transmissibility. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The transmission of Helicobacter pylori mainly occurs through "oral-oral" and "fecal-oral" routes. The bacteria may be present in the saliva, vomit, or feces of infected individuals. Sharing eating utensils, cups, toothbrushes, or other personal items, or not using serving chopsticks and spoons during meals can allow the bacteria to enter another person's body via food and drinks. Contaminated water sources and food that are not thoroughly washed or cooked may also lead to bacterial transmission. Additionally, behaviors such as parents feeding infants orally or kissing their cheeks can transmit the bacteria to children. Most people do not exhibit obvious symptoms in the early stages of infection, but the bacteria can continuously colonize the stomach and potentially cause gastric diseases.

In daily life, it is important to develop good hygiene habits, such as thoroughly washing hands before meals and after using the toilet, to reduce the risk of bacterial transmission via hands. When dining at home, consistently use serving chopsticks and spoons, wash personal tableware separately, and disinfect them regularly. Avoid sharing toothbrushes, cups, or other personal items with others. Drinking water should be boiled before consumption, and food—especially meat and seafood—should be thoroughly cooked to avoid raw consumption.