How can we prevent diseases from spreading through kissing?

Kissing can spread bacteria, viruses, and fungi from one person's saliva and oral cavity to another, leading to various ear, nose, throat, and systemic illnesses.

Báo Thanh niên•13/04/2025

Associate Professor Pham Bich Dao, a doctor working at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, shared: To avoid diseases transmitted through kissing, the following preventive measures should be taken:

This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth at least twice a day (morning and evening) with fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss or a water flosser daily to remove plaque. Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic solution or saline solution to kill bacteria. Have a dental check-up every six months to monitor your oral health.

How to prevent diseases transmitted through kissing? - Image 1.

Kiss safely to protect your own health and that of your partner.

ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE CREATED BY GEMINI

"Oral hygiene is essential because bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the oral cavity can cause sore throat, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, sinusitis, and many diseases transmitted through kissing," Dr. Dao emphasized.

Avoid kissing when you have symptoms of illness.

Associate Professor Pham Bich Dao advises that to prevent the spread of disease through kissing, one should avoid kissing when sick or showing symptoms of infection; not kiss when oneself or the other person has signs of sore throat (possibly caused by bacteria or viruses such as Streptococcus or Epstein-Barr); mouth ulcers, canker sores (possibly due to HSV-1); runny nose, nasal congestion, cough (signs of rhinitis, sinusitis caused by bacteria or viruses); when breath smells bad, white patches on the tongue (signs of oral candidiasis).

When the immune system is weakened, the risk of infection from saliva is higher. Therefore, avoid kissing in the situations mentioned above to limit contact with the saliva of an infected person.

Dr. Dao also noted that some viruses, such as HSV-1, can survive on surfaces and be transmitted through indirect contact, so avoid sharing water glasses, spoons, chopsticks, and toothbrushes with others. In particular, avoid deep kissing if you or your partner have cold sores, canker sores, or mouth ulcers. Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your mouth and nose.

Safe sex prevents gonorrhea.

"Gonorrhea of the throat can also be transmitted through kissing. It's necessary to use protection during sexual intercourse, especially oral sex, to reduce the risk of contracting gonorrhea (gonococcal pharyngitis). Remember to practice safe sex and avoid kissing strangers or people with a history of sexually transmitted infections," Dr. Dao advised.

If there is a risk, it is necessary to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for early detection. This is because gonorrhea of the throat can be transmitted through contact with the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the mouth of an infected person.

In addition, according to Dr. Dao, people need to strengthen their immune system, maintain a balanced diet, and supplement with vitamin C, zinc, and iron from vegetables and fruits to boost immunity; drink enough water to keep the throat lining moist and reduce the risk of infection. A healthy body helps fight off viruses and bacteria transmitted through the mouth.

Getting enough sleep and avoiding stress also helps the immune system function better. In addition, getting vaccinated, for example against infectious mononucleosis, influenza, and bacterial meningitis, can help reduce the risk of infection.

"If you experience symptoms such as hoarseness, persistent sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, frequently recurring cold sores, or non-healing mouth ulcers, you should see a doctor immediately for early diagnosis and treatment," advised Dr. Dao.

Infections can be contracted through kissing if there is contact with disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Preventive measures such as maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding kissing when sick, practicing safe sex, and boosting immunity can reduce the risk of infection. If you suspect you have an infection, seek prompt medical attention and treatment to avoid complications. Kiss safely to protect your own health and that of your partner.

Associate Professor Pham Bich Dao (Hanoi Medical University Hospital)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phong-benh-lay-qua-nu-hon-nhu-the-nao-185250412201137194.htm