The mouth contains hundreds of different types of microorganisms, most of which are harmless. However, saliva and close mouth-to-mouth contact can also provide a route for some infections to spread.
This does not mean that every kiss will transmit a disease. The risk depends on the infection, the health of the people involved and the type of contact.
In this article, Tribune Online highlights some major infections that can spread through saliva or close contact involving the mouth.
Infectious Mononucleosis
Often called the kissing disease , infectious mononucleosis is commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The virus is present in saliva and can spread through kissing or by sharing drinks, food, utensils and other items that come into contact with the mouth.
Many infected people experience extreme tiredness, sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Some people, particularly young children, may have mild or no symptoms.
Because EBV can remain in saliva for a long time after infection, a person may spread the virus even when they appear completely healthy.
Herpes Simplex Virus
Oral herpes is commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It can spread through contact with sores, saliva or skin around the mouth. Kissing can therefore transmit the virus, particularly when an infected person has an active cold sore.
However, transmission can sometimes occur even when no visible sore is present. Oral herpes commonly causes painful blisters or sores around the lips and mouth. After infection, the virus remains in the body and can become active again.
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, belongs to the same virus family as the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. It can be present in saliva and spread through close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. Many healthy people who become infected do not develop noticeable symptoms.
However, CMV can cause serious illness in people with weakened immune systems and can pose particular risks during pregnancy because infection can affect an unborn baby.
Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva from an infected person. Close contact, including kissing, can therefore provide an opportunity for transmission.
The infection commonly causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, especially around the cheeks and jaw. Fever, headache, muscle aches and tiredness may also occur. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent mumps and its complications.
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria can live in the nose and throat and spread through respiratory and throat secretions during close or prolonged contact. Kissing can therefore create an opportunity for transmission.
Although many people who carry the bacteria do not become sick, invasive meningococcal disease can develop rapidly and cause meningitis or bloodstream infection.
Symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, vomiting or a rapidly developing rash require urgent medical attention.
Influenza
Flu is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and small particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. Because kissing involves very close face-to-face contact, it can increase exposure to respiratory secretions from an infected person.
Influenza can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and fatigue. Most people recover, but the infection can become serious, particularly in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain underlying conditions.
Credit: Tribune Online
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