Can kissing spread diseases: Kissing is considered a common way of expressing love, but have you ever thought that a kiss on the lips can also cause some diseases? Actually, during a kiss not only emotions but also saliva is exchanged. Some bacteria and viruses present in this saliva can reach from one person to another. Although every kiss is not harmful, in some circumstances it can increase the risk of spreading infection.
What problems can occur while kissing?
According to hawaiifamilydental, a health information website, during a deep or French kiss, saliva is exchanged between the two people. Apart from water, enzymes, electrolytes and proteins, many types of bacteria and viruses are also present in saliva. According to a study published in the Microbiome Journal, about 8 crore (80 million) bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another through a single kiss. Most of these bacteria do not cause harm, but if a person’s immune system is weak, some bacteria can cause infection.
Read this also: Children fall ill quickly during monsoon season, how should we take care of their health?
Which disease spreads first?
According to experts, the virus that causes common cold can first spread from one person to another through kissing. If your partner is suffering from cold or cough, then the risk of infection increases. Apart from this, mononucleosis, also known as ‘kissing disease’, is caused by Epstein-Barr virus and can also be spread through saliva. In this disease, symptoms like fatigue, fever and swelling of the lymph glands of the neck can be seen.
Risk of these diseases also
Apart from this, Herpes Simplex Virus-1 can also spread through kissing. The special thing is that sometimes even if blisters are not visible on the mouth, this virus can reach another person through saliva. At the same time, if a person has flu, then there is a possibility of influenza virus spreading through respiratory droplets during kissing. Some bacteria associated with gum disease can also spread from one person to another through saliva, which can increase the risk of oral problems in the future.
When is the danger greater?
Some circumstances further increase the risk of infection. If your immunity is weak, your partner is already suffering from any infection, there are cuts or ulcers in the mouth or oral hygiene is not good, then the chances of infection may be higher. However, kissing is not the only one with disadvantages.
How to keep yourself safe?
If you want to reduce the risk of infection, then first of all take care of good oral hygiene. Brush regularly, use floss and get dental checkups done from time to time. If you or your partner is sick, avoid kissing until you recover completely. Even in case of cold sore on the mouth, close contact should be avoided.
Read this also – AIIMS Delhi created history! World’s rarest lung surgery for 4-month-old baby successful
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

