Kissing is, no doubt, one of the loving ways to show affection. But what many may not realise is that intimate kisses that involve exchanging saliva can often transfer illnesses and diseases.

 

HealthGrove used data from the World Health Organisation and the Centre for Disease Control to find eight diseases that are transmitted through saliva.

 

Take a look at eight diseases you can contract by kissing.

 

1. Mononucleosis

Popularly called “the kissing disease”, it is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Infection and related symptoms can last from one to two months. Symptoms are very similar to those of the flu and include a fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle weakness and swollen lymph glands. There is no treatment for mononucleosis. However, staying hydrated, resting and taking medication often helps.

 

 

2. Cytomegalovirus

This disease spreads through bodily fluids like saliva, as well as through blood, urine, semen and b****t milk. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus in the herpes family. Like all herpes viruses, it remains dormant in the body for long periods. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and, in more serious cases, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures and visual impairment.

 

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease is also known as periodontitis and gingivitis. Although it is not spread through kissing, the bad bacteria that cause it can. To avoid gum disease, regular brushing and flossing can serve as a defence.

 

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4. Herpes

Once a person contracts oral herpes, it stays with them forever. Oral herpes is transmitted through direct contact between an infected area and broken skin or a mucous membrane. During an outbreak, symptoms usually last between 8-10 days on average and the cold sores heal on their own.

 

 

5. Meningitis

This disease can spread from one person to another via respiratory secretions. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. This disease has no medication, but staying healthy with a strong immune system often helps.

 

6. Mumps

Mumps affects the salivary glands and causes them to swell. It usually spreads via airborne droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and also loss of appetite.

 

7. Rubella

Referred to as the German measles, rubella is caused by a virus transmitted through an infected person’s sneeze or cough. Symptoms include fever and a rash, and they clear up in two to three days. The rubella vaccine, however, can prevent this disease.

 

8. Influenza

Influenza spreads via droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. Most people recover on their own in less than two weeks.

 

This post is not intended to scare you or make you anxious every time you want to kiss a loved one. However, health is wealth, and awareness is very important.

 

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