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MENINGITIS
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis — an infection of the lining that protects the brain and spinal cord — can be spread through kissing, sharing utensils or being in close quarters like a dormitory. Kids are now routinely vaccinated for the most dangerous form of meningitis, caused by a bacteria called meningococcus, in their preteen years. Adults can choose to vaccinate at any time. In severe infections, meningococcal meningitis can be fatal.
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HERPES
Herpes simplex virus 1 is “the cold sore virus” and is usually the cause of oral herpes breakouts. However, the genital herpes form, herpes simplex virus 2, can also infect the mouth via oral sex. In both cases, herpes never goes away. Treatments can keep breakouts from happening, but it never leaves the body, and it’s possible to transmit the virus even when there’s no obvious breakout.
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HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver. It has been found in vaginal secretions, saliva, and semen. How likely is it to transmit the virus? That’s still unknown. However, during deep kissing, if one partner wears orthodontic braces or has open cuts or sores in the mouth, there is a probable risk.
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COLD AND FLU VIRUSES
Take your pick. There are more than 100 different respiratory viruses circulating at any given point in time, not to mention the stomach bugs. What’s worse is that your kissing partner could give you a cold or flu virus without showing signs of a cold themselves. Each virus lasts 10 to 14 days, and there’s no cure. It just needs time to get out of the system.
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CYTOMEGALOVIRUS
CMV is a very common virus and only causes a problem for those with weak immune systems, newborns and pregnant women. It’s spread through bodily fluids – blood, saliva, urine, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk – and remains in the body for life. If pregnant women pass CMV to their unborn children the babies can become very sick with pneumonia or seizures. For adults with poor immune systems, they too can develop the same conditions. But, most people have no symptoms. The first time someone is exposed to it, they can develop flu-like symptoms.
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SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
The exact risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HPV through kissing is unclear. According to the CDC, STDs are not transmitted through casual, closed-mouth kisses and are rarely spread through deep kissing.
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GINGIVITIS
There’s a 30 percent chance of spreading gingivitis-causing bacteria during kissing, says one study. But, despite the ick factor, it doesn’t mean the other person will automatically develop gingivitis.
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MONONUCLEOSIS
Known as “mono” for short, it’s often referred to as “the kissing disease.” Epstein Barr virus is the culprit, causing fever, sore throat, swollen tonsils, fatigue, body aches and a swollen spleen. Mono usually affects teens between 15 and 17 years of age and there’s no treatment. In ten days, most people feel better, but the swollen glands and spleen can take up to a month to resolve. In that time, contact sports should be avoided because any trauma to the spleen while it’s swollen can cause it to rupture.
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While some experts say there are health benefits to kissing — including lower stress levels and emotional bonding – there are also aspects of kissing that are quite unhealthy. With consequences ranging from catching a virus to bad gingivitis, sometimes a kiss is not just a kiss. Here’s a look at some of the offenders.
Dr. Tyeese Gaines is a physician-journalist with over 10 years of print and broadcast experience, now serving as health editor for theGrio.com. Dr. Ty is also a practicing emergency medicine physician in New Jersey. Follow her on twitter at @doctorty or on Facebook.
