The majority of sexually transmissible diseases (STDs) are transferred by vaginal secretions or intimate contact. However, some can be spread through kissing or other contact with sores or oral fluids. In this article below, we are going to look at diseases that spread through kissing.
Many STDs either cause no signs or symptoms or they cause symptoms so mild that they are easy to overlook. Still, it is important to treat the underlying infection.
Kissing can spread a variety of bacteria, including those that cause dental decay, glandular fever, and cold sores. Kissing poses a minor but considerable risk to one’s health because saliva has the potential to spread several diseases. It’s not all bad news, either. Numerous beneficial health benefits of passionate kissing have been discovered by research.
Kissing is typically a relatively low-risk sexual behaviour for healthy individuals. However, some STIs can be transmitted through kissing, particularly if the other person has an active illness or signs like mouth sores.
Examples of diseases that spread through kissing include
Colds – commonly referred to as upper respiratory tract illnesses. The common cold can be brought on by numerous viruses. It is believed that colds are conveyed by direct contact with the virus. Droplets in the air or direct contact with fluids and mucous from the infected person’s nose and throat could spread the cold virus to you.
Glandular fever – is sometimes referred to as the kissing illness. The phrase “glandular fever” refers to an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus known as infectious mononucleosis. Infection happens by touch, and the virus is transmitted through saliva.
Herpes infection – Epstein-Barr, varicella-zoster (causes chickenpox), and herpes simplex are viruses regarded as members of the herpes family (causes cold sores). When kissing, the herpes simplex virus can be transferred by direct touch. When the blisters are developing or have erupted, herpes can be transmitted most easily to others. Even after blisters have healed, the virus can still be “shed” (transmitted to others) from the area. It is simple to spread chickenpox from one person to another through direct contact, droplets, or airborne dissemination.
Hepatitis B – Although this virus is more prevalent in blood than saliva, kissing can still spread it. When infected blood and saliva come into contact with another person’s bloodstream or mucous membranes, an infection may result. (Various body cavities, such as the mouth and nose, are lined by mucous membranes.) If someone has an open sore in or near their mouth, they are more prone to become infected when kissing.
Warts – Kissing can spread mouth warts, especially if there are any recent traumatised areas.
