HERE’S WHY YOU DON’T WANT TO PLAY KISS AND CATCH
It’s a simple way to show someone you’re into them, but a quick kiss could leave you with more than you bargained for.
Experts warn a passionate snog can be a prime way to spread nasty bugs, including STIs.
When you kiss someone you are basically swapping saliva, so it stands to reason that any germs lurking in your partner’s mouth could be passed on.
Infections such as the common cold, flu and other highly contagious bugs can be passed on this way – we already know that – but there are some other diseases that a quick kiss could land you with.
1. Herpes
Herpes is highly contagious and caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which triggers painful blisters.
It is spread by skin-to-skin contact – during vaginal, oral or anal sex – or even just a kiss.
It can cause cold sores on the mouth, genital herpes and whitlows (small abscesses) on the fingers and hands.
2. Mono
The Epstein-Barr virus, also known as “mono” or the “kissing disease” is a common virus that infects most people at some point in their lives.
Not everyone shows symptoms, but if you do you may experience fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, a rash, sore throat, swollen glands and weakness.
The virus is found in saliva, so you can also get it from sharing the same glass, using someone else’s toothbrush or anything else that may have their saliva on it.
3. Gum disease
Gingivitis or gum disease can be passed on through kissing. Gum disease is a common condition that causes the gums to become swollen, sore or infected.
It can also cause your gums to bleed when you brush your teeth and leave you with bad breath.
4. Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that’s passed on by sexual or other close contact with someone who is infected.
The bacterial infection is typically caught after oral, vaginal or anal sex, as well as kissing and sharing sex toys with someone who is affected.
Syphilis often causes headaches, joint pain, tiredness and fever.