Kiss of Death: 10 Diseases You Can Get From Kissing

Kissing is definitely a step in the right direction if you want to take a platonic relationship to the next level, but a growing number of doctors and researchers warn that indiscriminate smooching can make make you sick or even kill you!

Besides Mononucleosis, which is the prototypical "kissing disease", experts have estimated that up to 500 different germs can be transmitted in a single kiss!

There are different forms of kissing - air kissing, peck on the cheek, kiss on the hand - but the type of kiss that is the subject of this post is the one that involves the exchange of saliva from one person to another (french kiss, wet kiss, etc).

Below is a list of 10 common infections that can be transmitted through kissing:

Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is spread through open sores (cold sore blisters) on the lips or near the mouth. Though the infection is contagious at all stages of cold sore, the infection is most contagious when the sore is open and leaking fluid. The virus can still be shed to others from the site of blisters even they have healed.

Common cold can be caused by many viruses. It can spread by direct contact with the virus, from airbourne droplets, or from direct contact with secretion from the infected person's nose and throat.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by Coxsackie virus and is spread through open sores in the mouth.

Meningitis is an inflamation of the covering (meninges) of the brain and spinal cord. It is a life-threatening condition and studies have shown that deep kissing is one of the risk factors for meningitis. It can also be spread through direct contact or via droplets.

Tooth decay is caused mainly by a bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans. Direct contact occurs most commonly via kissing. Indirect contact occurs through shared contaminated objects such as eating utensils, toothbrushes, cups and toys.

Glandular fever (also known as the kissing disease) is the common term for a viral infection called infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus is spread through saliva and infections occurs through contact.

Herpes infection is caused by viruses that are considered part of the herpes family which includes Epstein-Barr (causes glandular fever), Varicella-zoster (causes chickenpox) and herpes simplex (causes cold sores). Herpes simplex virus can be spread through direct contact with the virus when kissing. Herpes is most easily spread to others when the blisters are forming  or have erupted. The virus can be 'shed' (spread to others) from the site of blisters even when they are healed. Chickenpox is easily spread from person to person by direct contact, droplets or airborne spread.

Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through kissing although blood has higher level of this virus than saliva. Infection can occur when infected blood and saliva come into contact with someone else's blood or mucous membranes. (Mucous membranes line various body cavities including the mouth and nose). A person is more likely to be infected when kissing if they have open sores in or around the mouth.

Warts in the mouth can spread through kissing, especially if the are areas of recent traumas.

Gum diseases are considered the equivalent of open-wound kissing. Having oral sex when you or your partner had bleeding gums is an invitation for the transmission of unwanted organisms.

There is no need to give up kissing; while disease causing bugs can be transferred during a kiss, most won’t cause the disease and the risk of serious disease is small BUT it may happen. And it’s not all bad. Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits.

Be conscious to keep your mouth as healthy and germ free as possible everyday. Make sure your partner takes preventive actions too so that you can both enjoy those smooches.

Also don’t forget your pet! When your beloved pet welcomes you home, slobbering your face with kisses, he is also gifting you its germs, and there are many diseases you can contact from your pet. Don’t forget to keep his/her mouth healthy too.