Recent research has shown that about 80 million bacteria can be spread between mouths during a 10-second intimate “French” kiss and couples or people in relationships who kiss each other nine or more times a day share significantly similar bacteria communities or microbiota. I tell you what, that few seconds of intimate kissing can be of grave consequence to your health.

A good number of people, especially the youths are oblivious of the health dangers associated with kissing. They have been bombarded with all sorts of awareness campaigns on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Well the truth be told, the world is in need of tonnes of millions of such awareness campaigns as the social economic impact of STIs and STDs are overwhelming.

The good aspect of kissing – Yes of course just like every other thing on planet earth, there are always two sides of a coin, the good and the ugly. There are also wonderful benefits of kissing that will also improve your health. I promise to discuss the benefits of kissing soon on this blog. Do keep a date with us.

Let me whet your appetite a little, kissing can serve as a mediation of feelings of bonding in relationships, reduce anxiety, improves our mood and lower stress. But all these benefits hugely depend on the health status of one’s partner.

FACT - Bacteria on the tongues of couples or people who kiss frequently is more similar than the oral bacteria of two strangers.

I am tempted to agree that “a kiss of death” is probably too harsh a title for this topic, be that as it may, it is an attempt to let the message sink deep when we are in that emotional ecstasy. That harmless kiss could be costly.
5 Diseases and Infections You Can Get From Kissing

1. Cytomegalovirus – Cytomegalovirus is a common viral infection of the herpes family. CMV infections are associated with the salivary glands. However, just like other herpes related virus infection, you live with this virus for the rest of your life once infected. CMV can remain dormant for a long period of time in healthy persons.

Cytomegalovirus is spread through body fluids such as blood as well as semen, urine, saliva and breast milk. Though CMV rarely causes symptoms, however, symptoms usually appear in those individuals with compromised immune system. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, muscles ache. Seizures, pneumonia and visual impairment are symptoms in more serious cases.

There is no known cure for Cytomegalovirus but drugs can be used to treat individuals with weakened immune system.

2. Mononucleosis – known as “the kissing disease” - this disease is caused by the Epstein - Barr virus (EBV), spreads through saliva. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and fatigue, swollen lymph glands in neck and armpit, headache and skin rash.
Complications of mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen and lead to liver issues. There is also no treatment for mononucleosis, resting and staying hydrated may go a long well in managing the diseases.

3. Gum Disease - gum diseases (also known as periodontitis and gingivitis) does not spread through kissing, but research has shown that the bacteria that cause gum disease can be spread through oral transmission between individuals via the saliva. You can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing your mouth regularly.

4. Oral Herpes - commonly known as “cold sores or fever blisters” are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1). The virus causes painful cold sores on the upper and lower lips, gums, tongue roof, and inside the cheeks or near the mouth. There is a bad side to this disease, once infected you have to live with it forever. HSV-1 is also responsible for 20% of genital herpes.

Herpes are spread by coming in contact with infected saliva, mucous membranes.

6. Mumps – mumps is a viral infection that affects the salivary gland. It causes fever and swollen salivary glands. Symptoms include loss of appetite, painful chewing, painful swallowing, headache and fatigue. Complications may lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), hepatitis, nerves deafness in both ears.

Mumps is spread through inhalation or ingestion of a cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person. You really do not need to be in contact with an infected person before being infected.

How to prevent kissing diseases

Practice good oral and dental hygiene
Be mindful of who you kissed
Keep your body hydrated – people who are hydrated have more salivary flow and have four times fewer bacteria in their mouth than people who are dehydrated.


It would be lovely if you decide to share this article with your loved ones


Credits: Centers for Disease Control and Microbiome.


http://www.humantherapyhub.com/2016/09/Kiss-Of-Death-Kissing-And-Your-Health.html