All the diseases that can be transmitted with a kiss

A kiss is often the first contactthe prelude to a love story or a moment that tells it. It is intimate, engaging, powerful. But like any form of close contactcan also be a means through which some infections are transmitted. Not all are serious, of course, but it is good to know them to know how to recognize them – or prevent – when needed. «The exchange of saliva via a kiss (a kiss deep) – confirms the Professor Francesco De Rosa, immunologist at the City of Health and Science of Turin And Associate professor in infectious diseases at the University of Turin – It can actually spread different pathologies, both viral and bacterial “. The kiss can transmit at least 8–9 Documented diseases: between viruses (HSV -11, EBV, CMV, influence, measles, rubella, hepatitis B, HIV in exceptional cases) and bacteria (streptococcus, meningitis). Let’s see which one:

Mononucleosis, or “kiss disease”

It is probably the best known of the infections transmitted with a kiss. Caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)spreads through saliva and peaks in the band between 15 and 25 years old. THE symptoms: «Fever, asthenia (intense tiredness), sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes as they are enlarged liver and often also the spleen. The doctor’s diagnosis is then confirmed by the examination made on a blood sampling. Nothing dangerous for most people “the course is absolutely Fausto, but it can slow down the energies for weeks”, underlines Professor De Rosa, “the therapy to follow is symptomaticthat is, it acts on syntomthe. So: anti -inflammatorystarting from the paracetamol for the fever, up to non -steroid anti -inflammatory. The steroidsor the cortisoneare used only where pharyngitis (therefore sore throat from mononucleosis), it swells the tonsils so much to obstruct the respiratory tract. Furthermore, the immune barriers They play a crucial role in the body’s ability to combat Epstein-Barr virus infection. In the presence of a compromised immune system, such as that of stressed individuals or subject to debilitating diseases, the chances of contracting the disease are greater ».

Labial Herpes

Those who have suffered from herpes know: those small vesicles on the lips can be annoying, painful and, above all, very contagious. THE’Herpes Simplex type 1 It is easily transmitted with direct contact, even when the bubbles are not visible but the virus is still active. In fact, confirms De Rosa «Herpesvirus remain latent, often in nerve ganglia. Which explains theirs returnwhy they can reactivate themselves by causing infections mostly on the mouth or oral mucosa in summer or in particularly stressful periods for study or work reasons ».

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

The CMV can be present in the saliva of asymptomatic carriers, without causing, then obvious symptoms. In healthy people he usually does not represent a problem, but pregnant It can have serious consequences: read on the website of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità: “For the fetus the risk of complications, of symptoms at birth and remote results are greater if a primary infection occurs, in particular during the First quarter of pregnancy. In this case, a CMV infection can also cause premature birth, spontaneous abortion and fetal death ».
The infection can also involve damage to the central nervous system, mental retardation, congenital deafness and visual problems. Reason why it is important to know him: for a woman in the three months of pregnancy the therapy It is the one with specific antibodies who create immunity to the virus.

Hepatitis B and C

It is not common to contract hepatitis with a kissbut the risk increases in the presence of cuts or injuries in the mouth. They are diseases that affect the liver And that deserve attention, (especially in cases where the partner’s health of the health is not known).

HPV – Papillomavirus

Better known for his sexual transmissionthe HPV can in some cases spread through Approach oral contactsespecially in the presence of microlesions. There are several strains, some linked to the appearance of warts, others potentially more risky.

Syphilis

Today rare but not entirely disappeared, syphilis is a disease a sexual transmission which can also pass with a kiss if there are injuries or ulcers in mouth. The first symptoms are often underestimated (at the first stage of the disease appears in the mouth – or on the genitals – an ulcer, the syphiloma, Nodula and hard to the touch) but if not treated it can cause important damage.

Cold, influence and other respiratory infections

More common, but not for this negligible. A deep kiss with a influenced or cooled person can transmit seasonal virusesespecially if there is cough or fever.

Bacio transmitted diseases: how to protect yourself?

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JLCO – Julia Amaral

• Avoid kisses if one of the two has injury, Symptoms of sore throat, fever or wounds in the mouth.
• Practice a good oral hygiene And wash the manthe.
• Keep vaccination covers Updated (e.g. measles, rubella, hepatitis B, influence).
• Consult a doctor In case of suspicious symptoms.

Oral sex: greater transmission risks

De Rosa says: «If we talk about Viral infections transmission, we cannot fail to talk about oral sex And the possibilities of infection which, although reduced with respect to unprotected genital sex, however exist ».

During an oral relationship, it is possible to contract different sexually transmitted infections (Ist), including Clamidia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, HPV and, in some cases, HIV. In addition to IST, even infections of the mouth, throat and respiratory tract can be transmitted through this type of intimate contact. “Sexual education, fundamental, allows you to protect us, while protecting the partner from the transmission of an infectious pathology that can be viral. Speaking of prevention, finally, we also make a strong call to vaccinationslike the one for the Papilloma, an opportunity for the youngest ».

How to prevent sexually transmitted infections with oral relationships?

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Shronosov

• Use the condom The use of protective barriers significantly reduces the risk of transmission of infections during oral sex.
• Avoid contact with visible injuries
  If you or your partner have wounds, plagues or irritations in the mouth or in the genital area, it is better to postpone sexual activity until it is completely healed.
• Regulate regular checks
  Underly undergoing tests for IST allows you to identify and treat any early phase infections, even in the absence of symptoms.
• Speak openly with the partner
  The sincere and respectful communication on one’s sexual health is essential for prevention and to build a relationship based on trust.

“Being informed is the first step for Vivere one’s sexuality with serenity and responsibility. Protecting yourself means taking care of yourself – and also of the other “concludes De Rosa.

A new hypothesis: could the kiss also transmit anxiety and depression?

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Antoine Rouleau

Thehypothesis that even ailments such as Anxiety and depression They can broadcast through the kiss: a group of Iranian scientists came to this conclusion which recently conducted a study published in the magazine Explorator Research and Hypothesis in medicine. It is therefore possible through the kiss that diseases that we did not imagine are also transmitted, like those concerning mental health?

“I would say that this part mostly concerns social, behavioral studies, also psycho evolutionarywho go to explore hypotheses, “said De Rosa. «Then all the hypotheses, in medicine as in science, must be confirmed. In light of current knowledge, we can exclude that mood disorders can be transmitted through the kiss. Rather the explanation can reside in the fact that in pairs the behavior of one of the two partners tends to flow into a shared mode. The awareness of being able to count on the other person of the couple, if you are in a time of difficulty I think it is much more important than the search for a possible transmission of negative feelings through the kiss ».