Did you know that 95% of germs transmitted through kissing are found in saliva and nasal mucus?

Fortunately, only 20% of them can affect our immunity. 

Few people talk about the negative side of kissing, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. We don’t realize that kissing involves the exchange of saliva, which contains various microorganisms and viruses.

It’s worth noting that this risk is justified by numerous positive aspects. But it never hurts to take precautions. This will protect you from the dangers that kissing can conceal.

1. Infectious mononucleosis

This disease is often popularly called the “kissing disease.” There’s a reason for this: infectious mononucleosis is transmitted through saliva. 

• The disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is found in saliva.
• It most often infects teenagers and young adults, but this disease can affect people of any age. 
• Its symptoms include high fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

How to detect this disease?

• A specialist will analyze the patient’s symptoms and order a blood test to detect the virus. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is prescribed analgesics.

2. Cytomegalovirus

This virus is much more common in humans than might initially appear. Once it enters the human body (including through kissing), it remains there forever.

Cytomegalovirus is transmitted through the exchange of human secretions. Therefore, it can enter the body through blood or sexual contact.

What’s surprising is that most carriers of this virus are unaware of its presence. The fact is that in people with strong immune systems, it shows no symptoms.

• Problems can arise in newborns because their immune systems are weakened. Infection with cytomegalovirus in a newborn can cause lifelong health problems, so precautions are essential.

How to detect it?

• To detect cytomegalovirus, the patient undergoes a blood test. Typically, this disease does not require any treatment. Only in rare cases are antiviral medications prescribed. However, they must maintain good hygiene.

3. Gingivitis

This infection affects the gums and causes active proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity. 

Gingivitis is characterized by the formation of a sticky plaque that settles on the gums and tooth surfaces. Symptoms of this disease include bleeding gums, redness, and inflammation.

How to detect it?

• It’s crucial to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of gingivitis. Gingivitis often causes cavities between the teeth and gums, and bad breath can also be a concern.

4. Streptococcal pharyngitis

This disease causes a sore throat and is caused by direct exposure to group A and B streptococci.

Streptococcal pharyngitis is spread through contact between a healthy person and an infected person. It can be contracted even by being too close to someone sneezing.

How to detect it?

The main symptoms of the disease include:

• Irritation and sore throat
• White spots on the tonsils
• Inflammation
• Headache
• High temperature

To confirm a suspected diagnosis, a throat swab must be taken. If the results of this test remain questionable, doctors may perform a microbial culture.

5. Herpes

Herpes is often transmitted through kissing. Labial herpes appears in a person’s mouth, as well as on their gums and lips. This infection is caused by the contagious herpes simplex virus.

How to detect it?

The first symptoms of the disease in the patient can be noticed 1-2 weeks after infection, at which point the first painful rashes appear.

Herpes may also be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• High temperature for more than 3 days
• Sore throat
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes

Symptoms typically resolve within two weeks. Antiviral medications and topical treatments are prescribed for herpes treatment. Patients should also maintain good hygiene.

How to protect yourself from infections transmitted through kissing?

• Maintain proper nutrition to maintain a strong immune system.
• Brush your teeth properly. 
• Use toothpaste regularly.
• Undergo a preventive medical examination at least once a year. 
• Change your toothbrush every 3 months.
• Use mouthwashes – they help cleanse the mouth of bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms.