You probably do everything you can to avoid STDs or STIs (also known as sexually transmitted infections) by using condoms and getting tested regularly. What about kissing, though? Can you get an STD from kissing? It's understandable if you don't know the answer because you probably pay much attention to the subject in your sex education lesson.
It's nearly unfathomable that kissing can cause an STI. STIs can spread through non-sexual (such as kissing) and sexual contact. Although it does happen, the general risk of catching an STI through kissing is relatively low. This is undoubtedly a possibility; some STDs worry more about kissing than others.
In general, scientists believe mouth-to-mouth kissing is riskier, while some STIs (like herpes) can be transferred by kissing someone's cheek, head, or even eyes.
The Source can you get an std from kissing?
WHICH STDs CAN YOU GET FROM KISSING?
Here are some facts concerning STDs that can be acquired by kissing.
HSV-1 ORAL AND HSV-2 GENITAL HERPES (HSV-2)
Infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as herpes, is common worldwide. HSV-1 is primarily transmitted orally and causes disease in or around the mouth (oral herpes), but it can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is transmitted mainly through sexual contact and causes genital herpes.
Oral and vaginal herpes is usually asymptomatic or undetected, but they can cause mild to severe blisters or ulcers at the site of infection. There is a lifetime infection, and symptoms may reoccur over time. Some medications can reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, but they cannot cure the disease.
Recurring oral and genital herpes symptoms can be upsetting. Herpes genitals can be stigmatizing and have an impact on sexual interactions. However, most people with herpes learn to live with the illness with time.
CYTOMEGALOVIRUS
According to the CDC, more than half of adults are infected with cytomegalovirus, also known as CMV, by age 40. CMV is not usually included on the official STI list; however, the CDC emphasizes that it is transmitted through sexual contact. The virus can be passed on by sperm and other physiological fluids such as urine, blood, tears, and breast milk. On the other hand, contact with a symptomatic individual's saliva presents the most significant transmission risk. As a result, if you kiss someone with CMV, you risk contracting it.
Although most people do not have symptoms, CMV can cause fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen glands. Even though these symptoms will eventually go away, CMV stays in the body for life and has the potential to reactivate. Though rare, CMV can cause mononucleosis (often known as mono) or hepatitis (liver inflammation).
SYPHILIS
Syphilis is an STI that can be transferred through direct contact with syphilis sore on or around the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or mouth. Symptoms may include firm, round, painless sores at the infection site, a rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever, depending on the severity of the infection. While it is possible, oral syphilis is extremely rare. Its so uncommon that a case report was published in 2016.