Is H. pylori infection contagious?

Yes, H. pylori can spread from person to person, especially through saliva, vomit, or contaminated food and water. Close family members often test positive if one person is infected. That’s why maintaining good hygiene, washing hands regularly, and avoiding sharing eating utensils in high-risk settings are important. Although contagious, it’s not as easily spread as a cold or flu. Most people acquire the infection during childhood in areas with poor sanitation.