What diseases can be transmitted through kissing?

Generally, kissing may transmit diseases such as colds and influenza, oral ulcers and oral diseases, infectious mononucleosis, viral hepatitis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and others. Details are as follows:

1. Colds and Influenza: The viruses causing colds and influenza can spread through saliva or respiratory droplets and are easily transmitted during kissing. Symptoms of these diseases usually include fever, cough, runny nose, headache, and sore throat.

2. Oral Ulcers and Oral Diseases: Bacteria or viruses causing oral ulcers and pathogens of oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis can be transmitted through saliva. If one partner has such conditions, kissing may transfer the pathogens to the other partner, potentially causing oral diseases in them as well.

3. Infectious Mononucleosis: This acute disease is caused by primary infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is mainly transmitted through close oral contact, such as kissing. Symptoms may include irregular fever, sore throat, and swollen neck lymph nodes.

4. Viral Hepatitis: Certain types of viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A and hepatitis E, can be transmitted through saliva. If one person has such a disease, the other person may be at risk of infection during kissing. Symptoms of viral hepatitis may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, and others.

5. Helicobacter pylori Infection: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that resides in the stomach and can be transmitted through kissing. Therefore, if one person is infected with Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria may be passed to the other person during kissing. Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and even gastric cancer.

To reduce the risk of disease transmission, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene before kissing, be aware of your partner's health status, and take protective measures when necessary.