What Is the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Kissing?

The risk of HIV infection through kissing is generally very low, so there is no need for excessive concern. The primary modes of HIV transmission are blood-to-blood contact, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission. Although HIV may be present in an infected person’s saliva, the viral load is insufficient to cause infection in another person; therefore, there is no need for undue worry. If diagnosed with HIV, timely antiretroviral therapy under a physician’s guidance is essential.