Can kissing transmit diseases. How can you prevent infections while kissing. What are the health benefits of passionate kissing. Is kissing a significant health risk. Which viruses and bacteria can be spread through kissing. How do different diseases spread from person to person.

The Surprising Ways Kissing Affects Your Health

Kissing, a universal expression of affection, plays a more complex role in our health than many realize. While it’s often associated with romance and intimacy, kissing also has significant implications for our physical well-being. This article delves into the various health aspects of kissing, exploring both its potential risks and surprising benefits.

Disease Transmission Through Kissing: Understanding the Risks

One of the primary health concerns associated with kissing is the potential for disease transmission. Saliva can carry various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, which can be passed from one person to another during a kiss. But how significant is this risk?

How Diseases Spread During Kissing

Diseases can spread through kissing in several ways:

• Direct contact with infected saliva
• Exchange of respiratory droplets
• Contact with blood from mouth sores or injuries

The risk of transmission varies depending on the specific pathogen and the health status of the individuals involved. Some diseases are more easily spread through kissing than others.

Viral Infections That Can Be Transmitted Through Kissing

Several viral infections can potentially be spread through kissing. Understanding these risks can help individuals make informed decisions about their intimate interactions.

Common Cold and Upper Respiratory Infections

The common cold, caused by various viruses, is one of the most frequently transmitted infections through kissing. These viruses spread through direct contact with infected respiratory secretions or airborne droplets.

Glandular Fever: The “Kissing Disease”

Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It’s often called the “kissing disease” due to its primary mode of transmission through saliva.

Herpes Simplex Virus and Cold Sores

Herpes simplex virus, particularly HSV-1, can be spread through kissing, especially when active cold sores are present. However, transmission can occur even when no visible symptoms are present.

Other Viral Concerns

Other viruses that can potentially be transmitted through kissing include:

• Chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus)
• Hepatitis B (although blood transmission is more common)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) causing oral warts

Bacterial Infections and Kissing: What You Need to Know

While viral infections often get more attention, bacterial pathogens can also be transmitted through kissing. Some of these can have serious health implications.

Meningococcal Disease: A Rare but Serious Risk

Meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and septicemia, is a potentially life-threatening condition. While rare, deep kissing has been identified as a risk factor for transmission.

Tooth Decay: An Unexpected Consequence

Surprisingly, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay can be transmitted through kissing. Newborn babies’ mouths are initially free from these bacteria, but they can be colonized through close contact with infected saliva.

Preventive Measures: Kissing Safely

While the risks associated with kissing shouldn’t deter people from this intimate act, taking some precautions can help minimize the chances of disease transmission.

Tips for Reducing Infection Risk

1. Avoid kissing when you or your partner are sick
2. Steer clear of kissing if either person has active cold sores or mouth ulcers
3. Maintain good oral hygiene
4. Practice proper respiratory etiquette (e.g., coughing into a tissue)
5. Stay up-to-date on relevant vaccinations

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of spreading infections through kissing without giving up this important form of intimacy.

The Unexpected Health Benefits of Passionate Kissing

While the potential risks of kissing are important to consider, it’s equally crucial to recognize the numerous health benefits associated with this intimate act, particularly when it comes to passionate kissing.

Stress Relief and Mood Enhancement

Passionate kissing has been shown to trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This can lead to reduced stress levels and an overall improvement in mood.

Cardiovascular Health

Engaging in passionate kissing can increase heart rate and dilate blood vessels, potentially contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that regular kissing may help lower blood pressure.

Immune System Boost

Surprisingly, the exchange of saliva during kissing may actually help boost the immune system. Exposure to small amounts of foreign bacteria can stimulate the production of antibodies, potentially strengthening the body’s defenses against infections.

Calorie Burning and Facial Muscle Toning

While not a substitute for regular exercise, passionate kissing does engage numerous facial muscles and can burn a small number of calories. Over time, this may contribute to improved facial muscle tone.

Kissing and Oral Health: A Double-Edged Sword

The relationship between kissing and oral health is complex, with both potential benefits and risks to consider.

Saliva Production and Dental Health

Kissing stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize acids in the mouth that contribute to tooth decay. Increased saliva flow also aids in washing away food particles and bacteria.

Bacterial Exchange: Friend or Foe?

While the exchange of bacteria during kissing can potentially introduce harmful strains, it can also promote a diverse oral microbiome. A balanced oral microbiome is associated with better overall oral health.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene

Regardless of the potential benefits, maintaining good oral hygiene remains crucial. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria through kissing.

Kissing and Emotional Health: Beyond the Physical

The health impacts of kissing extend beyond the physical realm, playing a significant role in emotional well-being and relationship dynamics.

Bonding and Intimacy

Kissing releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding hormone.” This can strengthen emotional connections between partners and contribute to overall relationship satisfaction.

Self-Esteem and Body Image

Engaging in intimate acts like kissing can boost self-esteem and improve body image. The act of being desired and expressing desire can have profound effects on an individual’s self-perception.

Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation

Beyond the immediate mood-enhancing effects, regular intimate contact through kissing can contribute to long-term stress reduction and improved emotional regulation.

Cultural Perspectives on Kissing and Health

The perception of kissing and its health implications varies across cultures, influencing public health approaches and individual behaviors.

Kissing Taboos and Health Beliefs

In some cultures, public kissing is taboo, partly due to health concerns. These cultural norms can impact disease transmission rates and public health strategies.

Global Variations in Kissing Practices

Different cultures have diverse kissing practices, from air kisses to kissing on the cheek. These variations can affect the health implications of kissing in different societies.

Evolving Attitudes in the Face of Global Health Challenges

Recent global health events have led to changing attitudes towards physical contact, including kissing, in many cultures. This shift highlights the dynamic relationship between cultural practices and health awareness.

In conclusion, while kissing does carry some health risks, particularly in terms of disease transmission, it also offers numerous physical and emotional benefits. By understanding these factors and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can continue to enjoy this intimate act while minimizing potential health concerns. As with many aspects of health, the key lies in awareness, moderation, and maintaining good overall hygiene practices.

Kissing and your health – Better Health Channel

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Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Kissing can transmit many germs, including those that cause cold sores, glandular fever and tooth decay.
• Saliva can transmit various diseases, which means that kissing is a small but significant health risk.
• It’s not all doom and gloom. Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits.

Kissing offers many health benefits, but may also transmit a small number of disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Bacteria and viruses in the saliva or blood of one person can be spread to another person by kissing. Some diseases are more easily spread than others.

How disease is spread

Diseases can be spread from person to person in a number of ways:

• Contact spread – some diseases are spread directly from person to person, for example during kissing, or indirectly when you touch a contaminated surface or object.
• Droplet spread – infected droplets from the nose and throat can usually travel around one metre before they drop onto a surface. Sometimes infected droplets can also linger in the air. Infection occurs when the infected droplet is inhaled or someone comes into contact with a contaminated surface or object.
• Airborne spread – some infected particlesfrom the nose and throat can remain in the air for a long time because of their tiny size. They are called droplet nuclei and can be inhaled directly into the lungs.

Viruses that can be transmitted by kissing

Examples of illnesses caused by viruses that can be transmitted during kissing include:

• Colds – also known as upper respiratory tract infections. Many different viruses can cause the common cold. Colds are thought to be spread by direct contact with the virus. You could catch the cold from airborne droplets or by direct contact with secretions (fluids and mucous) from the infected person’s nose and throat.
• Glandular fever – also known as the kissing disease. Glandular fever is the common term for a viral infection called infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus is spread through saliva and infection occurs through contact.
• Herpes infection – viruses that are considered part of the herpes family include Epstein-Barr, varicella-zoster (causes chickenpox) and herpes simplex (causes cold sores). Herpes simplex virus can be spread through direct contact with the virus when kissing. Herpes is most easily spread to others when the blisters are forming or have erupted. The virus can be ‘shed’ (spread to others) from the site of blisters even when they have healed. Chickenpox is easily spread from person to person by direct contact, droplets or airborne spread.
• Hepatitis B – kissing may also transmit this virus, although blood has higher levels of this virus than saliva. Infection can occur when infected blood and saliva come into direct contact with someone else’s bloodstream or mucous membranes. (Mucous membranes line various body cavities including the mouth and nose.) A person is more likely to be infected when kissing if they have open sores in or around the mouth.
• Warts – warts in the mouth can be spread through kissing, especially if there are areas of recent trauma.

Bacteria that can be transmitted by kissing

Examples of bacteria that can be transmitted during kissing include:

• Meningococcal disease – this is a potentially life-threatening condition which includes meningitis, inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord, and septicaemia. These bacteria can be spread either through direct contact or via droplets. Studies show that, with respect to kissing, only deep kissing seems to be a risk factor.
• Tooth decay – the bacteria that cause tooth decay aren’t found in the mouths of newborn babies. A baby’s mouth must be colonised with infected saliva, which can be passed by a kiss on the lips.

Keep it in perspective

There is no need to give up kissing for the sake of your health and that of your loved ones. While disease-causing bugs can be transferred during a kiss, most won’t cause disease and the risk of serious disease is very small.

Prevention of infection while kissing

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of passing on, or catching, an infection while kissing. You should try to:

• Avoid kissing when you or the other person is sick.
• Avoid kissing anyone on the lips when you, or they, have an active cold sore, warts or ulcers around the lips or in the mouth.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Cough and sneeze into a hanky if you have a cold.
• See your doctor about immunisations. Vaccines are available to prevent some infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, hepatitis B and group C meningococcal infection.

Passionate kisses have health benefits

It’s not all doom and gloom. Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits, including:

• Emotional bonding – kissing your partner is a fun, pleasurable and important part of physical intimacy and helps maintain a sense of togetherness and love.
• Stress reduction – kissing your partner, either tenderly or passionately, releases calming brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that reduce stress levels and soothe the mind.
• Foreplay – deep kissing your partner can lead to sexual intercourse. Various studies show that sex enhances a person’s physical and mental health. For example, regular sex is protective against stress and depression.
• Metabolic boost – kissing burns kilojoules. The more passionate the kiss, the greater the metabolic boost.
• Healthier mouth – saliva contains substances that fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. Deep kissing increases the flow of saliva, which helps to keep the mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
• Increased immunity – exposure to germs that inhabit your partner’s mouth strengthens your immune system.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Your dentist
• Local council immunisation service
• Communicable Disease Control Unit, Department of Health Victoria Tel. 1300 651 160
• Immunisation Unit, Department of Health, Victorian Government Email: [email protected]
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

• Heymann, D. L. (ed.) (2004), Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition, American Public Health Association, Washington.
• Communicable Diseases Network Australia, Guidelines for the early clinical and public health management of meningococcal disease in Australia – Revised Edition 2007, Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government.
• Blue book – Guidelines for the control of infectious diseases, (2009), Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance (Blue Book), Department of Health, Victorian Government. More information here.External Link
• Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2010), National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government. More information hereExternal Link.
• Is kissing dangerous?, InteliHealth, featuring Harvard Medical School’s Consumer Health Information.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Department of Health – Public Health – Communicable Disease Prevention and Control

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Department of Health – Public Health – Communicable Disease Prevention and Control

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 31-07-2014

Conditions You Can Catch From Kissing

Happy International Kissing Day – a day to celebrate the many health benefits of practising the fine art of the smooch!

But when it comes to kissing, choose carefully, because it turns out you can catch more than just feelings! Whilst kissing provides us with many health benefits, it can also transmit germs (bacteria and viruses) which can lead to disease. Without trying to ruin the mood, our private doctors at London Doctors Clinic are here to provide a guide to all the germs which can potentially be transmitted by kissing!

Kissing: How Are Germs Spread?

Some illnesses spread more easily than others, but the most common way of catching something from kissing is actually before your lips even make contact! When someone else is infected, they can either breathe out infected particles into the air (airborne spread), or they can cough or sneeze droplets to about a metre away from them (droplet spread).

If you breathe in the infected material, or come into contact with it and then touch your nose or your mouth, you could get infected. You can also catch diseases during kissing, from bacteria and viruses in saliva or blood (contact spread).

Conditions Caught From Kissing

1. Herpes Virus Infections

Several viruses make up the herpes virus family. These include Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and varicella-zoster virus (causes chicken pox). These viruses can be spread during kissing.

2. Glandular Fever/ Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus)

Mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus, is infamously known as ‘kissing disease’ because of how well it spreads through virus-containing saliva.

Despite its endearing name, the disease is rather unpleasant, causing intense fatigue, flu like symptoms including a sore throat, fever, weakness and swollen lymph glands.

It is most common in young people between 15 to 30 years of age and those who spend lots of time in close contact with other people. The disease and its symptoms often last between one or two months, and there is no specific treatment other than taking bed rest, drinking lots of fluids, eating well and taking over the counter medication to help with symptoms.

3. Cold Sores (Herpes-Simplex Virus)

Cold sores, often known as ‘fever blisters’ are usually caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), and are transmitted when an infected cold sore directly contacts a mucous membrane, or broken skin. It is estimated that over half of adults in the UK are infected with HSV1.

Another strain of HSV (HSV2) is usually associated with genital herpes (however, HSV1 probably causes 1 in 5 cases of genital herpes by oral sex).

Although cold sores are most infectious when open and leaking fluid, they can be infectious before symptoms even start and can even be spread by a quick peck. And whilst your make-out buddy might not, this virus unfortunately stays with you for life!

But it’s not all bad news – it usually only perks up every once in a while, often when your immune system is down. When the virus perks up, symptoms usually last ten days and involve burning, itching or tingling, sometimes accompanied by a sore throat, swollen glands or fever, followed by a cold sore which heals on its own. Some medications can speed up symptom resolution.

4. Warts (Human Papilloma Virus, HPV)

Warts are more likely to be spread during kissing if there is a break in the skin. That said, oral warts are pretty rare, and would take a fair amount of contact to transmit!

5. Respiratory Viruses

These include the common cold, influenza, mumps and many more and are usually spread by droplets. You’re likely to catch these before actually locking lips, but when getting close. If your kissing conquest has got the sniffles, it’s best to steer clear until the cold or flu has passed!

If your kissing conquest has got the sniffles, steer clear until the cold or flu has passed!

6. Influenza

Flu can be spread from a day before, up until seven days after symptoms start. It causes a fever, cough, weakness, fatigue, body aches and a sore throat. Usually people get better in under two weeks, although preventing yourself from catching the condition is always going to be the preferable option!

7. Tooth Decay & Gum Disease

When kissing, you don’t just share saliva – you also share the flora of bacteria, viruses and mucus that live in your mouth!

Gum disease itself cannot be spread by kissing, but the ‘bad’ bacteria that cause it definitely can be – this is more likely to happen when your immune system of your mouth is compromised. These germs build up and form plaque, which can cause cavities or gum disease (gingivitis) when it builds up under your gum line.

The spread of ‘bad bacteria’ is more likely to occur if the natural immune system for your mouth is compromised. Your best bet at preventing this is to maintain good oral hygiene, by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing before bed. This will prevent the bacteria from being able to grow in your mouth.

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing before bed is important in preventing bacteria growth in your mouth

8. Meningitis

Both viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis (an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord). Close contact with someone with viral meningitis, which spreads by respiratory secretions, could result in you getting the virus too, although it rarely turns into meningitis.

Viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis and usually people recover without medication. Bacterial meningitis, however is spread by close contact (such as kissing) – so if someone you’ve been in close contact with has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, it might be worth you seeing a doctor too, to enquire as to whether you should take any medicines to reduce your risk of developing meningitis.

Symptoms of meningitis include a fever, headache, stiff neck, and nausea and vomiting. It is a serious condition for which immediate medical help should be sought.

9. Syphillis

Although most commonly transmitted by sex, syphilis can also be spread by kissing. This is because syphilis can cause round, open and infectious sores in the mouth. Syphilis can be treated by doctor-prescribed antibiotics.

Other STIs such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea are less likely to be spread by kissing (unless one of you have a cut or sore in your mouth). If you’re worried about sexual health, find out more information here.

However, It’s Not All Doom And Gloom…

Before you decide to give up kissing for life, remember to put things into perspective. There are valuable health benefits to passionate kissing, including:

• Stress reduction
• Emotional bonding
• Metabolic boost

As well as this, most kisses won’t cause disease – realistically, your chance of catching one of the above-mentioned nasties is pretty small!

Preventing The Transmission of Kissing-Conditions!

1. Try not to kiss someone if you or they are sick
2. Avoid kissing someone when they have a cold sore, wart or ulcer in or around their mouth
3. Brush and floss your teeth well!

So, enjoy International Kissing Day! But remember, the next time you borrow a kiss, take a moment to think – because you could be left with something you can’t return! Should you happen to notice any unusual symptoms after locking lips, our private GPs are happy to help! For those feeling shy or embarrassed, we can assure you that our doctors will handle your issue with ultimate sensitivity and discretion. Simply book an appointment at your closest doctors surgery – we now have 15 located across London, so should never be too far away when you need to find a “clinic near me”.

By Ayala Shirazi

Not only infections: what can be obtained through a kiss

During a passionate kiss, partners can exchange an average of 5 ml of saliva. It’s not much – just a teaspoon. But even in such a small volume, up to 80 million microbes manage to fit. However, it’s not just about quantity. Our saliva has disinfecting properties, and many pathogens are simply uncomfortable in it. It’s better to kiss a healthy person, but if you don’t know everything about your partner, you should at least take risks.

Caries: possible

The main culprit in caries is the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. She feels good in saliva and can get to another person not only when kissing, but also when we share utensils with him (forks, spoons, glasses and bottles), blow on his food or taste it. A 2015 study by the Finnish University of Oulo found that parents’ habit of kissing babies on the lips can increase their risk of tooth decay later in life.

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable because their teeth are just being formed. Enamel on newly erupted teeth is incredibly soft, sometimes taking up to three months to fully mineralize and harden. At the same time, milk teeth sometimes erupt from birth to three years, and molars – from six to 12–14 years. It is during eruption that teeth are most vulnerable.

So if you don’t want to speed up your child’s acquaintance with the drill, keep an eye on oral hygiene and remember about the insidious streptococcus.

Related topics

Gastritis and ulcers: probably not

You must have heard of Helicobacter pylori if you have ever been treated for gastritis. It is believed that about every second inhabitant of the Earth is infected with it (but with a strong bias towards countries where hygiene and sanitary conditions are generally poor). The presence of HP in the body is associated with the risk of developing chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and stomach cancer.

The usual habitat of bacteria is the stomach and intestines. And although scientists have found it in saliva and swabs taken from the oral cavity, infection with it only through saliva is unlikely. The fact is that for this the bacterium must be present in the mouth in high concentrations. But the microbial community there is very specific: not all bacteria linger on the “upper floor” for a long time. It seems that HP is not one of them.

Also, if HP were transmitted through kissing, it would be found in both spouses if one was originally infected. But research shows that this is often not the case. Moreover, even cured patients are rarely re-infected from their partners if they remain carriers of the bacterium.

Colds and flu: possible, but not necessary

Any respiratory virus – which causes infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract – can be transmitted by airborne droplets. Most likely, the infection will occur before you move on to kissing. But even here there are nuances: in the midst of the disease (when the symptoms are visible), the viral load in the body is maximum, the person is especially contagious. But if you only suspect that you have been infected, or are already almost cured, the chances drop. This applies not only to cold and flu viruses, but also to the new coronavirus.

The reason is that saliva contains substances that inhibit the reproduction of influenza and cold pathogens. In 1984, they conducted an observational study and concluded that kissing most often does not lead to the transmission of cold viruses. “The virus spreads in mucus from the respiratory system,” explains Professor Ron Eccles, director of the Center for the Common Cold at Cardiff University. “If you don’t have a severe cough, but some of the respiratory mucus is still mixed with saliva, the cold virus will not be transmitted.”

Mononucleosis: Very Possible

Mononucleosis is often caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection and presents with severe fatigue and flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. It’s no coincidence that it has earned the nickname “kissing disease”: people between the ages of 15 and 30 are most susceptible to it, especially high school and college students and members of sports teams. Curiously, even studies show that the “age of first date” accounts for the main risk of disease.

Related

Researchers in Minnesota, USA, surveyed more than 500 college freshmen and identified a cohort of 143 who did not have antibodies in their blood. Throughout the course of their studies, these students periodically took tests and wrote reports about their lifestyle. It was the first year of study that turned out to be twice as “yielding” for infection with mononucleosis compared to the other three years combined. Many also had their first romantic experience during this time.

There is no specific treatment for mononucleosis, but it usually resolves on its own, and rest and over-the-counter pain medication may help.

Herpes: possibly

Herpetic infection was known to our distant ancestors. Its symptoms are described in the treatises of Hippocrates and in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. And the Roman emperor Tiberius even tried to ban kissing for some time due to the widespread “cold on the lips” among the inhabitants of the capital.

The herpes-1 virus is very common: according to the World Health Organization, more than half of the world’s population is infected with it. The chances of getting infected with it are greater if the disease is in the acute stage, through contact with the affected area. Warning symptoms are itching, burning, or tingling in the area, and possible soreness. But transmission can also occur from a person without overt symptoms of the disease.

The same can be said about syphilis – it is transmitted by direct contact with a sore that can appear on the genitals, mouth or lips.

Hepatitis B and C: rare

Hepatitis B virus can be found in saliva, but its viral load is 1-10 thousand times lower than in blood. Therefore, the likelihood of transmission through saliva remains low. But this can happen through direct contact of infected blood and saliva with the bloodstream or mucous membranes of another person. A person is more likely to get infected by kissing if they have open sores in or around their mouth.

Related

But epidemiological studies show that the chances are rather low, since the infectivity in saliva is very low. The same can be said about the chances of contracting hepatitis C.

Throat, neck and head cancer: possible, but not certain

A significant proportion (35 to 80%) of neck and head cancers are associated with the human papillomavirus. However, the infection does not directly cause cancer. When the virus enters the cells, it causes them to grow abnormally. Then, under certain circumstances (especially in smokers and alcohol addicts), these cells can degenerate into cancer cells. However, very few people with HPV infection will develop cancer. First, of the hundreds of known variants of the virus, only 15 have been confirmed to be associated with cancer. Second, at 9In 0% of cases, the body itself is cleared of the virus without consequences.

The main route of transmission in this case is oral sex. People who have oral sex with at least six different partners have a significantly higher risk of developing throat cancer, according to the authors of an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Mahiban Thomas, head of maxillofacial and head and neck surgery at the Royal Dourwin Hospital in Australia, believes that kissing with many different partners also increases the risk of contracting HPV. But so far, there is no conclusive evidence that just kissing an HPV carrier can lead to cancer.

HIV: almost never

One of the most enduring myths about the dangers of kissing is that it transmits HIV. It should be said right away that theoretically there is such a possibility. But in practice, only one such case is known. Both partners had gum disease, which is accompanied by bleeding. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that transmission most likely occurred through blood rather than saliva.

Compared to blood and seminal fluid, saliva contains a large amount of a secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor. It is an enzyme that prevents infection of immune cells, the main target of HIV in the body. In addition, the mucous membranes in the mouth do not contain cells vulnerable to HIV, such as cells from the vagina and rectum.

Related

It is worth noting that some of the risk only applies to HIV-positive people who are not receiving treatment. The possibility of getting infected from a person who regularly takes antiretroviral drugs is excluded. There are so few viral particles in his body that even laboratory tests “do not see” them.

Allergy attack: possible but rare

According to a report presented at the 2010 American Association of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Scientific Meetings, people suffering from food or drug allergies may experience a painful reaction to kissing. The former head of the association, Sami Bagna, cites a case in which a 30-year-old man had swollen lips and itchy mouth after a kiss.

Two hours earlier, his girlfriend had eaten a peanut butter sandwich, then brushed her teeth and rinsed her mouth. But the woman’s cells were still producing allergens hours after the peanut was digested, Bagna said. At the same time, the man had severe reactions in the past, up to anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening attack.

“Fortunately, this rarely happens, but unfortunately these reactions can be serious,” Bagna explains, noting that food can stick to teeth even after brushing and rinsing. Therefore, if you have a tendency to allergies, especially in a serious form, it is best to discuss this in advance when starting a romantic relationship.

Immune support: maybe

Kissing between healthy people with good immunity in general can be a workout for your natural defenses. Numerous studies show that the poorer our microbiome – the community of bacteria living in different parts of the body – the more prone to disease we are. Conversely, diversity in species and communities is a hallmark of a healthy microbiome.

Biologist and science journalist Cheryl Kirshenbaum, author of The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us, suggests that saliva exchange can boost our immune system by exposing it to foreign microbes. Given that saliva inhibits the multiplication of disease-causing organisms, we can gain some immunity to them, but avoid disease.

Allergy relief: possible

Good news for allergy sufferers this time! In one Japanese study, kissing was shown to significantly alleviate hives and other signs of an allergic reaction associated with pollen and dust mites. The fact is that stress exacerbates allergic reactions. And kissing relaxes the body and thus alleviates the symptoms.

The results, published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, showed a significant decrease in the level of IgE antibodies (their concentration determines the strength of the allergic reaction) after a 30-minute kissing session. It is curious that the same reaction to the hugs of partners was not. The author even received the Ig Nobel Prize for his work, which is awarded “for achievements that make you first laugh, and then think.” Thinking?

Information about the partner’s genes: possibly

Sometimes, after the first kiss, a person who was extremely interesting to us suddenly becomes like a stranger. And even repulsive. At the same time, we cannot rationally explain such a reaction. One of the hypotheses that scientists are actively discussing is the signal from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which has its own verification system.

Related topics

MHC is a group of genes that control how our immune system protects itself from disease. The MHC genes contain a “recipe” for the synthesis of a specific set of proteins located on the outer surfaces of our cells. Their job is to distinguish the body’s own proteins from foreign ones – microbial or viral. When a person has more MHC gene variations, it is easier for his or her body to recognize these foreign invaders.

Diversity of MHC genes in parents is also important for producing offspring with flexible and versatile immune systems. Such children will be better able to resist disease. This makes “testing” a partner very important from an evolutionary point of view – the survival of the next generation. In The Science of Kissing, Cheryl Kirshenbaum writes that MHC appears to be closely related to the olfactory system. Several studies have even shown that women are more likely to like the smell of those men than MHC is not genetically similar to their own. And during a kiss, as you know, we try a partner not only for taste.

Anton Soldatov

6 viruses that can be infected through kissing

It doesn’t matter who a person kisses – a stranger or a friend, one kiss can contain up to a billion bacteria of 278 species. Fortunately, 95% of the bacteria people exchange when they kiss is practically harmless. However, according to a study published in The American Journal of Medicine, there are a number of microorganisms that can be transmitted through one seemingly harmless kiss and still cause the development of serious infectious diseases. So, for example, through a kiss, you can infect a person with infectious mononucleosis, a viral disease, the “culprit” of the development of which is often the Epstein-Barr virus, which spreads through saliva. But not only this infectious disease can be “caught” with a kiss. There are many other bacteria and viruses that can get into the body of another person with the help of saliva.

Herpes. The presence of blisters or wounds on a person’s lips is a reason to refrain from kissing him. The herpes virus is transmitted from an infected area of ​​skin damage or along the mucous membrane. After infection, the virus remains in the human body, periodically recurring. When a relapse occurs, the symptoms last an average of 8-10 days, and the wounds that form on the mucous membranes or skin, as a rule, heal on their own. According to the American Sexual Health Association, symptoms of oral herpes include small, fluid-filled blisters around the mouth that can be solitary or appear in clusters. Similar blisters can also occur in the mouth and back of the throat, which can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.

Viral meningitis. A person can become infected with viral meningitis through the patient’s stool or mucus, as well as through a kiss. Symptoms that occur when infected include headache, fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, neck pain, and confusion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person should seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms appear, as viral meningitis can be more severe than bacterial meningitis.

Cytomegalovirus. This virus spreads through human body fluids such as saliva, urine or blood. Infection with cytomegalovirus often causes a serious illness. Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk of developing pneumonia and hepatitis when infected with this virus. Infants may develop neurological problems and malformations, especially if they become infected in the womb. In general, infection with cytomegalovirus in adolescents and adults is usually accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, headache, fever, enlarged liver and spleen, which can last up to 3 weeks.

Mumps. This disease is spread by airborne droplets and is manifested by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and swelling of the parotid salivary glands. Its prevention includes vaccination.

Influenza. This highly contagious disease of viral etiology can be easily transmitted from one infected person to another by airborne droplets, including when sneezing, coughing, kissing. Common flu symptoms include muscle pain, headache, sore throat, high body temperature, and runny nose.

Poliomyelitis. The virus can be spread by the fecal-oral route, through contaminated food and water. It is possible to protect yourself from the development of poliomyelitis only through preventive vaccination, since there are no drugs for the treatment of this pathology.