How to Prevent Helicobacter pylori Infection

Aug 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection can be achieved by consistently using serving chopsticks and spoons, maintaining proper hand hygiene, avoiding consumption of unboiled water, not eating undercooked food, and regularly disinfecting tableware. In addition, it is important to avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and drinking cups with individuals already infected with Helicobacter pylori.

Generally, prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection can be achieved by consistently using serving chopsticks and spoons, maintaining personal hand hygiene, avoiding consumption of unboiled water, not eating undercooked food, and regularly disinfecting tableware. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Consistently use serving chopsticks and spoons

Helicobacter pylori can be transmitted via saliva. During meals, sharing chopsticks or spoons may easily lead to cross-infection among individuals. Using serving chopsticks and spoons prevents direct contact between saliva and food, cutting off the transmission route of the bacteria through food, thus reducing the risk of infection.

2. Maintain personal hand hygiene

Hands may come into contact with objects contaminated by Helicobacter pylori, such as door handles and tableware. If hands are not cleaned before touching food or coming into contact with the mouth, bacteria can enter the body. Thoroughly washing hands with soap and running water before meals and after using the toilet can remove bacteria attached to the hands, reducing the chance of infection.

3. Avoid drinking unboiled water

Unboiled water may contain Helicobacter pylori, especially when the water source is contaminated, allowing the bacteria to survive easily. Drinking unboiled water allows the bacteria to directly enter the digestive tract, increasing the likelihood of infection. Boiling water thoroughly can kill Helicobacter pylori and ensure the safety of drinking water.

4. Avoid eating undercooked food

Raw meat, raw seafood, and other foods may carry Helicobacter pylori. If not thoroughly cooked, the bacteria may not be completely killed. After consuming such food, the bacteria can colonize the stomach and cause infection. Thoroughly cooking food can destroy the bacterial structure and eliminate potential infection risks.

5. Regularly disinfect tableware

If tableware is not thoroughly cleaned after use or remains in a damp environment for a long time, Helicobacter pylori may easily grow and multiply. When used again, the bacteria may enter the body through contact between the tableware and food. Regularly boiling tableware in hot water or using a disinfection cabinet can kill bacteria on the tableware and maintain cleanliness.

In addition, avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and drinking cups with individuals already infected with Helicobacter pylori. At the same time, maintaining regular作息 and enhancing physical immunity in daily life can also help reduce the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection.

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