Google and webmd say that handjobs and kissing are a risk for syphilis. how much of a risk am i in engaging these activities and what symptoms do i look for?

Beware of simplistic health statements; always consider context. That syphilis CAN be transmitted by kissing and skin to skin contact isn't the same as saying it actually happens. It's GENITAL skin-skin contact (during sex) that transmits syphilis; hand-genital contact never is a risk. Kissing is higher risk than hand-genital, but only prolonged and vigorous kissing, usually in sex between men.

Both are low risk for syphilis unless sores or cuts are present in the kissed area. Syphilis cause a sore which heals - other symptoms which are varied occur later Disregard most medical info on the web and ask your doc.

Syphilis is a sexual bacterial infection that be transferred from unprotected sex. Oral, anal, and vaginal sex are the most common pathways. If there are open lesions, sores with blood, and a visible chancre, than transmission is possible by skin to skin contact .Lesions can occur on the lips and on the penis. Always be careful and practice safe sex.