Kissing can be an enjoyable and intimate activity with health advantages, yet it's essential to understand which diseases could spread through this act of affection and how to be safe when kissing.
Kissing can spread various STDs, such as HSV-1 and HSV-2 (which cause herpes and cold sores), HPV, cytomegalovirus virus (CMV) and syphilis. Furthermore, gonorrhea and chlamydia may also be transmitted through saliva; however, they have not been shown to spread like herpes and HPV do.
Of the many infectious infections spread via saliva are infectious mononucleosis, influenza, colds, strep throat, stomach parasites and influenza - these may become contagious either when an outbreak takes place or while someone experiences symptoms.
Although kissing may not be as likely to result in sexually transmitted infections than vaginal, anal, or oral sex, it remains essential to utilize barrier methods like condoms and dental dams when kissing acts take place. Furthermore, it's also wise to avoid kissing anyone with open sores or lesions in their mouth as well as be open about your sexual history as well as ask about theirs; getting tested regularly as early treatment should also be pursued for both partners involved.
