Diseases that can be transmitted through kissing

Normally, when a person is infected, they can breathe, cough or sneeze out virus-infected particles into the air, spreading the infection. If you breathe in infected particles or droplets, or come in contact with them and then touch your nose or mouth, you can become infected.

You can also get sick from kissing due to bacteria and viruses found in saliva or blood.

Infections caused by the herpes virus (cold sores)

According to Medical News Today, the herpes simplex virus has two subtypes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both viruses cause lifelong infections. A person with an infection may go through a period of being symptom-free, followed by symptoms. Herpes is most contagious when symptoms are present, but a person can still spread it when there are no symptoms.

Most people with oral herpes are infected with HSV-1. This causes sores, painful blisters, or sores to form in, on, or around the mouth or lips. These skin lesions are often referred to as herpes. In most cases, HSV-1 is spread by mouth-to-mouth contact such as kissing.

The herpes virus can cause painful sores and blisters on or around the mouth and lips.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports about 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 are infected with HSV-1 around the world. Meanwhile, an estimated 491 million 15-49 year olds worldwide are infected with HSV-2. The virus, which often causes blisters or sores on the genitals, is spread through unprotected sex.

People with HSV-1 may not need treatment. It is important to have good hygiene and possibly use over-the-counter medications to prevent herpes. In addition, people with mouth ulcers may have to avoid kissing until it heals.

Meanwhile, people with HSV-2 may need long-term antiviral medication to reduce the risk of symptoms and transmission of the virus.

Syphilis

This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria that come into direct contact with sores caused by syphilis. These sores can develop on the genitals, in the mouth, or on the lips. A pregnant woman with syphilis can also pass it on to her baby.

Initially, patients often develop round, firm, painless sores. They usually heal on their own in 3-6 weeks. Symptoms get worse as syphilis progresses with symptoms such as a rash, red-brown bumps that appear on the palms, soles, or both, but don't itch.

People with syphilis may also experience symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, weight loss, fatigue, and muscle aches. These symptoms usually go away on their own. However, anyone with syphilis needs treatment with antibiotics to stop the disease from progressing.

Syphilis is a highly contagious condition and one of its hallmarks is the development of sores in the mouth. The sores are usually round and open and can be transmitted through kissing and oral sex.

HPV

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are several of these viruses, and some may develop into cancer in the future.

In rare cases, a person can contract the HPV virus by mouth or by contact with the saliva of an infected person. However, the most common way to transmit the virus is through direct genital contact.

Oral HPV infects the throat and mouth and can cause cancers of the pharynx, back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils. Health experts believe that 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States are caused by the HPV virus.

Common symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer include persistent sore throat, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, pain when swallowing, unexplained weight loss, ear pain.

Kissing brings sweetness but can spread viruses between the couple.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is very common and can be spread by direct contact with bodily fluids, including semen, breast milk, blood, and tears. It is also spread by contact with saliva or urine, especially in infants and young children.

In healthy people, the immune system usually prevents CMV from causing infection or serious illness. Most people who get the infection don't know they have it.

When CMV causes symptoms, people often have a sore throat, fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. People with impaired immune function and CMV infection may experience more severe symptoms, affecting the lungs, liver, eyes, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Babies born with CMV infection can have impaired growth, hearing loss, and problems affecting the brain, liver, spleen, and lungs.

Once someone is infected with CMV, they will have it for life and can relapse. There is no cure for CMV, but most people with the infection do not need treatment. Newborns and people with impaired immune function may need antiviral medication to prevent complications.

Gingivitis

According to Self magazine, kissing is not only about emotions, but also includes the exchange of bacteria between two people. Depending on your oral health habits, bacteria can cause gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease that can cause tooth decay.

Everyone has a natural microbiome in their oral environment. When someone has poor hygiene, certain bacteria in and around gum tissue can grow. People infected with these bacteria can pass them on to their partners through kissing. This can lead to inflamed, red gums that are typical of gingivitis.

The best way to protect yourself is to maintain a healthy oral health regimen - brush your teeth twice a day and floss before bed.