You could be putting yourself in great
danger of a deadly diseases by engaging in a kiss with someone
especially people you don’t know so well.
You may have heard that the mouth is the
dirtiest place in the body; this is because saliva contains numerous
microorganisms. Human bites are said to be more dangerous than a dog
bites as it contains more bacteria says the CDC. Worldwide there are
billions of kisses exchanged by people each year. The air kiss, casual
peck on the cheek or the cultured kiss on the hand aren’t much of a
threat but a kiss that exchanges saliva from one another is a different
matter.
Viruses That Can Be Transmitted by Kissing
Colds: many
viruses cause the common cold. It can spread by direct contact with the
virus, from airborne droplets, or from direct contact with secretions
from the infected person’s nose and throat.
Infectious Mononucleosis: also
known as kissing disease is caused by Epstein Barr virus. The virus is
spread through saliva and infection occurs through contact.
Herpes Infection:
includes varicella zoster (causes chicken pox) and herpes simplex (cold
sores in mouth). Herpes is easily spread to others when others when
cold sore blisters are forming or have erupted. The virus is shed to
others from the site of blisters even when they have healed. So, can you
get herpes from kissing: yes.
Hepatitis-B: kissing
may also transmit this virus even though it may be contained in higher
levels in blood. Infection can occur when infected blood and saliva come
into direct contact with someone else’s bloodstream or mucous membrane.
A person may be easily infected if they have sores in and around the
mouth.
Warts: these can spread through kissing
especially if in case of recent trauma. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:
this is caused by Coxsackie virus and is spread through open sores in
the mouth. This infection is common in kids especially those in day
care. It is spread via the fecal oral route (maybe while changing
diapers)
Bacteria That Can Be Transmitted by Kissing
Meningococcal Disease:
this is a life threatening condition which includes meningitis,
(inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord)
and septicemia. Studies show that deep kissing seems to be one of the
risk factors.
Tooth Decay:
numerous studies indicate that Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria
implicated with caries is transmissible. Direct contact occurs most
commonly via kissing. Indirect contact occurs though shared contaminated
objects such as eating utensils, toothbrushes, cups and even toys.
Gum Disease
The American academy of Periodontology
says more than 75% of adults over 35 have some form of gum disease.
Since gum diseases are considered the equivalent of open wounds kissing
or 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. For those who are calorie
conscious a 60 second kiss burns 26 calories.
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 his germs.
Don’t forget to keep his/her mouth healthy too.
0 comments:
Post a Comment