Concerns About Oral Contact: Risks of Infection from Non-Human Surfaces

Q: Concerns About Oral Contact: Risks of Infection from Non-Human Surfaces

Anonymous： Hello, may I ask, do you eat salads, fruits, etc., that have not been cooked? The chopsticks and disposable utensils used outside are also not cleaned. <br>The takeout cups used by cold drink chains are not cleaned, and the shaker cups used for mixing drinks are only r

Regarding tongue contact?

Dear Dr.
Hsu,
I am the person who inquired about the contact between my penis and the table.
Thank you for your response and explanation, which have reassured me significantly.
I apologize for bothering you again, but I have another question.
I might be overthinking this, but I still feel a bit concerned, and I hope you can understand.
I usually use a small flashlight to check my mouth for cavities, and sometimes the tip of my tongue accidentally touches the flashlight's lens.
The lens has never been cleaned, and today I accidentally licked it again.
I have checked my tongue and found no visible cuts or bleeding.

Dr.
Hsu, may I ask:
1.
Is there a risk of contracting HIV, HPV, syphilis, or similar infections in this situation?
2.
Have you encountered or heard of any case reports regarding transmission of HIV, HPV, or syphilis through licking objects, rather than from human contact?
Thank you, Dr.
Hsu.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/04/22

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Anonymous: Hello, may I ask, do you eat salads, fruits, etc., that have not been cooked? The chopsticks and disposable utensils used outside are also not cleaned.
The takeout cups used by cold drink chains are not cleaned, and the shaker cups used for mixing drinks are only rinsed with tap water, without any disinfection.
Isn't such a living environment filled with bacteria? You still directly consume coffee, instant noodle bowls, and other containers from convenience stores.
You drink soup directly from the edge of the bowl or use disposable spoons that have never been cleaned since they left the factory; isn't that equally dangerous? Additionally, when you eat things like cookies or preserved fruits, don't you just grab them with your hands, sometimes without washing your hands? Why aren't you worried about infections from what you eat? Why do you doubt that what you ingest could cause the infections you mentioned, but instead suspect minor oral contact? The disposable cups you use have gone through factories, shipping companies, restaurants, and then to your hands, and they have never been cleaned in between.
Think about it—during the storage process, could they have been exposed to cockroaches, mice, ants, or small insects? Yet you put them directly in your mouth; don't you worry about contracting infectious diseases or other pathogens? Note: 1.
The risk of ingesting something is definitely higher than the risk of simple contact.
Therefore, I believe the risk of infection from mere contact is very low.
If you are concerned, you can wash with plenty of clean water after contact.
2.
I personally carry my own utensils (a large bowl, chopsticks, and a travel cup).
3.
If I were a terrorist, I could consider starting a plastic factory that specializes in producing contaminated utensils since you in the food and beverage industry do not clean them; the spread would certainly be effective.
I hope the above response helps you and does not cause you too much distress, as this is the reality I have observed, but it has not been addressed by the government.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Taitung Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2015/04/22

More Info

When it comes to concerns about potential infections from non-human surfaces, especially regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, HPV, and syphilis, it's important to understand the transmission routes and the nature of these viruses.

1. Risk of Infection from Non-Human Surfaces: The likelihood of contracting HIV, HPV, or syphilis from licking a non-human surface, such as a flashlight, is extremely low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The virus does not survive long outside the human body, and it is not transmitted through casual contact or surfaces. HPV and syphilis also require specific conditions for transmission, typically involving direct skin-to-skin contact or mucosal contact during sexual activities.

2. Infection via Non-Human Objects: There are no documented cases of HIV, HPV, or syphilis being transmitted through contact with inanimate objects, such as a flashlight. While it is theoretically possible for some pathogens to survive on surfaces for a short period, the conditions required for transmission are not met in this scenario. For example, HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, and syphilis requires direct contact with a syphilis sore.

3. Oral Contact with Non-Human Surfaces: In your specific case, where you licked the flashlight's lens, the risk remains negligible. The absence of visible cuts or bleeding on your tongue further reduces any potential risk. The skin and mucosal membranes serve as barriers to infection, and intact skin is generally resistant to most pathogens.
4. General Precautions: While the risk is low, it's always a good practice to maintain hygiene by cleaning objects that come into contact with your mouth. Regularly cleaning items like flashlights can help minimize any risk of exposure to bacteria or viruses that may be present on surfaces, even if they are not sexually transmitted pathogens.

5. Consulting Healthcare Professionals: If you have ongoing concerns about potential exposure to STIs or other infections, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and, if necessary, recommend testing based on your specific circumstances.

In summary, the risk of contracting HIV, HPV, or syphilis from licking a flashlight is virtually nonexistent. These infections require specific modes of transmission that are not applicable in this scenario. Maintaining good hygiene practices and consulting with healthcare providers for any lingering concerns is the best approach to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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