What? Kissing Can Too Cause Diseases… Really???
It’s good for you but when it comes to bacteria, kissing is the easiest way to exchange a few.
Kissing is fun. It is one of the best way to show your love for your beloved. They tell us all the good things about kissing – how it burns calories, how it’s good for you but when it comes to bacteria, kissing is the easiest way to exchange a few.
The chances of contacting the below diseases or infections through are a few but you can never be too careful. Here are 11 diseases and infections which can spread through kissing:
#1. Cold.
Many viruses cause the common cold. It can spread by direct contact with the virus, from airborne droplets, or from direct contact with secretions from the infected person’s nose and
throat.
#2. Flu.
Influenza is spread from person to person, usually via droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. People can infect others with the flu virus one day before they have symptoms and up seven days after becoming sick.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. Most people recover on their own in less than two weeks. The flu is a highly seasonal disease that can often be prevented by getting an annual flu vaccine.
#3. Mononucleosis.
This disease, usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), spreads through saliva and is often referred to as “mono” or “the kissing disease.” Symptoms are very similar to those of the flu and include a fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle weakness and swollen lymph glands.
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The infection and related symptoms usually last anywhere from one to two months. Young people between the ages of 15 and 30 and those who regularly come into contact with a lot of people are the most at risk. While no treatment for mononucleosis exists, resting, staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter pain medications often help.
#4. Herpes Virus.
Oral herpes is most commonly referred to as “cold sores” or “fever blisters.” It’s transmitted through direct contact between an infected area and broken skin or a mucous membrane. More than 50 percent of the U.S. adult population has oral herpes, but symptoms aren’t always visible.
Unfortunately, once you contract the virus, it stays with you forever. Additionally, oral herpes, caused by the herpes simplex type 1 strain, can cause genital herpes.
#5. Meningitis.
Many types of viruses can cause viral meningitis, which is serious but less severe than bacterial meningitis. This disease can be spread from one person to another via respiratory secretions.
Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. Though there are no medications for viral meningitis, people with healthy immune systems usually get better on their own.
#6. Hepatitis B.
Kissing may also transmit this virus even though it may be contained in higher levels in blood. Infection can occur when infected blood and saliva come into direct contact with
someone else’s bloodstream or mucous membrane. A person may be easily infected if they have sores in and around the mouth. Read more on Next Page…
#7. Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus in the herpes family. This disease spreads through saliva, as well as through blood, urine, semen and breast milk. Like all herpes viruses, CMV can remain dormant in the body for long periods of time, especially if you’re healthy.
Though this virus can infect almost anyone, symptoms usually appear in those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and, in more serious cases, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures and visual impairment. While there’s no cure for CMV, treatment for the virus generally isn’t needed in healthy children and adults.
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#8. Gum Diseases.
Bacteria, mucus and other particles constantly live in our mouths and can build up to form plaque. Brushing and flossing helps get rid of plaque, though if not cleaned thoroughly, plaque can build up under the gum line and cause gum disease. Though gum disease (also known as periodontitis and gingivitis) does not spread through kissing, the bad bacteria that cause it can. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is your best defense.
#9. Meningococcal.
This is a life threatening condition which includes meningitis, (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia. Studies show that
deep kissing seems to be one of the risk factors.
#10. Tooth Decay.
Numerous studies indicate that Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria implicated with caries is transmissible. Direct contact occurs most commonly via kissing. Indirect
contact occurs though shared contaminated objects such as eating utensils, toothbrushes, cups and even toys.
#11. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.
This is caused by Coxsackie virus and is spread through open sores in the mouth. This infection is common in kids especially those in day care. It is spread via the fecal oral route.
