Did you know that most people have Herpes in some form? It’s an STI, sure, but not all STI’s come from hooking up. You can contract many of them from kissing. Although the STIs that comes from kissing may not cause symptoms, it is important to know how to protect yourself. You can contract more than 26 infections from sexual intercourse, usually passed through genital fluids. Since most people consider it relatively safe, it is still important to understand what you could get because it is safer than hooking up. So here is a list of infections you can get from kissing someone. 

Herpes

Herpes comes in two forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both forms affect you for life, but don’t be too worried. Most people have HSV-1, and it usually manifests itself in cold sores. Sometimes your lips can develop ulcers, and this form of Herpes is almost always passed through kissing. Around 3.7 billion people worldwide under the age of 50 have HSV-1 infections, and they usually contract it as children. 

Syphilis

Syphilis can be spread through contact with a syphilis sore, and you can get them on your genitals and in your throat and mouth. If you are kissing someone and have a syphilis sore, it can be passed on to you. If someone has latent syphilis that has gone untreated, you can usually notice this from the palms of their hands. Although it doesn’t always show up as a rash on the palms, it can indicate that someone has syphilis. 

Cytomegalovirus

Nearly a third of children in America have Cytomegalovirus (CMV) by age five, and most adults have it by age 40. It is spread through direct contact or bodily fluids like saliva, urine (not even golden showers are safe), and semen. If your immune system is uncompromised, you may get a sore throat or fever, but the effects are worse if you have a compromised immune system. Although there is no cure, most people don’t require medical treatment. It isn’t a reason to avoid kissing the love of your life or peeing on them. Suppose that’s your thing, no judgment. It is a kink, it might be less kinky than you think. 

HPV

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is rarely passed through kissing, but it can happen. Oral HPV infects your throat and mouth. It’s not an uncommon virus in the US. About 3.6% of women have this, and around 10% of men will develop this. Your body clears the infection within a few years. 

Should you be worried?

When we think of STIs, we usually have an image of man-on-man sex with nasty aftermath. The truth is that STIs can pass even from kissing or drinking after someone. So, the next time you want to make out with a hot stranger, think about the possibility that one of these could be passed along to you. If you’re going to hook up, make sure you stay safe. There are many more infections you can get with more than kissing – like chlamydia.

If you want to prevent catching any of these infections, the best thing you can do is ensure that you know the person you are kissing. You could make sure you get to know that person well and learn a bit about them. Most of the infections on this list are common, and many people have them, such as the case for HPV-1. The next time you are fighting the urge to make out with that hottie you’ve been chatting up on Grindr, keep in mind you could catch STI’s from kissing.