MYTH You can get syphilis from touching shared objects (like toilet seats) or being in a hot tub or pool. FACT Syphilis is passed on through sexual contact with another person. Public Health IOWA HHS Find testing near you: gettested.cdc.gov Syphilis is a common & curable sexually transmitted infection (STI). You cannot catch it by touching objects or surfaces-only through direct sexual contact with another person. If you're sexually active, using condoms can reduce your risk of syphilis. You can also protect your health by making STI testing part of your health routine. MYTH You can get syphilis from touching shared objects ( like toilet seats ) or being in a hot tub or pool . FACT Syphilis is passed on through sexual contact with another person . Public Health IOWA HHS Find testing near you : gettested.cdc.gov Syphilis is a common & curable sexually transmitted infection ( STI ) . You cannot catch it by touching objects or surfaces - only through direct sexual contact with another person . If you're sexually active , using condoms can reduce your risk of syphilis . You can also protect your health by making STI testing part of your health routine .