[Question #12552] STDs through kitchen utensils?

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7 months ago
Hello Dr. I am asking this question because there is a lot of conflicting information on google regarding this topic. My question is if is possible to get infected by an std sharing kitchen utensils. My question derives because I’ve seen in some websites which states that you can get infected by HPV virus and Hepatitis B by sharing utensils. Although they there are unlikely transmission ways according to some websites it is possible to contract this viruses by sharing utensils. I would like to have some clarification on this topic dues to the conflicting information I’ve found on the web. 
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7 months ago
I shared the other day a fork, not exactly shared a fork but we shared food and he used his fork for serving me food with a with a person who isn’t really my friend or familiar. This is why am asking this question regarding utensils and the possibility of infection through this act
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 months ago
This question is a repat of a theme that you have asked repeatedly over the more than past five years.  Several months ago Dr. Handsfield told you- "You have repeatedly been advised about the scientific fact that contacts like this do not risk HIV; and neither do kissing or other nonsexual events mentioned in your other threads in past years. Do your best to believe it and understand it. Do not worry about the biological reasons for absence of risk:  if it doesn't happen, who cares about such things as whether or not a virus can survive on surfaces?"  This question is a variation on that theme.  Sharing food is not a route of acquistion of HIV or any other STI.  These infections are not transmitted through ingestion- directly or indirectly.

Your fear of acquistion of STIs including HIV through non-sexual, non-injection means is problematic and you should NEVER seek health over the internet- so much of it is incorrect and misleading.

I debated whether to even answer this question and because it was slightly different from your past 5 I chose to but replies will be limited, very limited.  EWH
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7 months ago
Thanks so much Dr. for the explanation and clarification. My doubts and questions regarding this topic came from misleading and conflicting information found on the internet. Thanks again for your answer and explanation regarding this topic, am really thankful for this service, thanks for your help
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 months ago
I will counsel you again, that the internet is absolutely the WRONG place to seek information about risk for STIs including HIV.  We spend much of our time trying to correct the all too common misinformation found there.  EWH---