Worried you might have picked up a sexually transmitted infection from kissing? You’re not alone.
After a new encounter, many people ask, “Can you get an std from kissing?”
The good news is that the risk is usually very low, but there are a few situations where infections can be passed on, and knowing what those are can help you stay safe without overthinking it.
In this guide, we’ll keep things simple and clear:
- What you can catch from kissing
- What you can’t
- When it’s worth paying attention
- What to do if you’re unsure.
Kissing is generally low risk for sexually transmitted infections. However, some infections like herpes can spread through kissing if there are cold sores, cuts, or broken skin around the mouth. However, sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and HIV are not spread through kissing.
What STD Can You Get From Kissing?
Herpes Simplex Virus
Most people commonly ask, ‘Can you get herpes from kissing?’. Oral herpes (HSV-1) can be spread from sexual activity or simply through skin-to-skin contact, so yes, it can be passed on by a kiss. It’s often passed through cold sores or broken skin, and even a brief kiss can transmit the herpes virus during an outbreak.
The herpes virus can spread, although less often, even when no sores or symptoms are present, a process known as asymptomatic shedding. Once contracted, the virus typically remains in the body, although it may stay dormant for long periods.
Syphilis
You can catch syphilis from kissing, but it is not a common route of transmission. It can only occur if a person has an active, infectious syphilis sore on their lips or inside their mouth.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with a painless sore, called a chancre. While it is possible to transmit syphilis through kissing, it is rare compared to vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You generally cannot catch syphilis from saliva alone; it requires direct contact with the sore itself.
HPV
It is possible to contract human papillomavirus through deep or open-mouthed kissing, although it is considered an unlikely method of transmission compared to direct genital contact. Deep kissing can transfer saliva containing the virus, potentially leading to oral HPV infections.
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus is commonly transmitted through close contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly saliva, so the infection can be passed through kissing. It can be spread when saliva from an infected person enters another person’s mouth. The virus can be active, and therefore transmissible, for years after initial infection.
Epstein Barr Virus
The Epstein Barr virus is commonly known as the ‘kissing disease’, so it is commonly transmitted through kissing. The virus can be easily passed through saliva, meaning it can also be transmitted by sharing drinks, food, toothbrushes, or eating utensils with an infected person.
EBV is highly contagious, and the virus can remain in a person’s saliva for months after they have recovered.
How Likely Is It To Get an STD from Kissing?
In most cases, the risk is very low. Simply, if there are no sores or cuts apparent on a person, then the risk of contracting an STD through kissing is very low. If there are cold sores present, then this poses a high risk of passing on a sexually transmitted infection. Deep kissing someone who has broken skin in or around their mouth can pose a significantly increased risk of passing on an infection.
For most people, kissing is not something to worry about, but it’s still good to understand the situations where it matters.
What STDs can’t Be Spread Through Kissing?
Thankfully, you generally cannot contract chlamydia, HIV, or, in most cases, gonorrhea from kissing, as they cannot be spread from swapping saliva. These infections generally require the exchange of genital fluids or blood.
When Does Kissing Become Risky?
Kissing is generally safe, but certain situations can increase the transmission of an STD.
Higher risk situations include:
- Cold sores or blisters
- Bleeding gums
- Cuts inside the mouth
- Recent dental work
- Deep or prolonged kissing
This is where concerns around sti from kissing symptoms tend to come from.
How To Reduce The Risk When Kissing
You don’t need to avoid kissing completely; you just need to be aware of the warning signs.
You should generally avoid kissing if either person has a cold sore, and wait until sores fully heal, while being cautious with cuts. Also, maintaining good oral hygiene can help to reduce risk of transmitting significantly.
STD from Kissing Symptoms
If you’re worried after kissing someone, symptoms can vary depending on the infection. Common signs to look out for include:
- Cold sores appear around the lips.
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Mouth ulcers or unusual sores
- swollen glands
- Fever
Most symptoms appear within a few days to a couple of weeks. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to get checked early.
When should you get checked?
Even though the risk is low, testing can give you peace of mind.
It’s completely normal to want to get checked if you notice some abnormal symptoms, or if you kissed someone with visible sores, or if you’re starting a new relationship and want peace of mind.
If you’re in London, you can arrange private STD testing with quick, discreet results.
Want Peace of Mind? Here’s What to Do Next
At Broadgate GP, you can book a discreet appointment and get your test results within 24 hours. Our experienced clinicians can help give you the treatment you need and give you clarity surrounding underlying conditions.
Contact Broadgate GP today to book a confidential test and get clarity quickly.
FAQs
Can you get an STD from kissing someone with no symptoms?
Yes, but the risk is low. Some infections, like the herpes simplex virus, can be passed on even when there are no visible symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic shedding. However, transmission is much more likely when there is an active cold sore or broken skin.
Can you get an STI from kissing if there’s no cold sore?
In most cases, no. If there are no cuts, sores, or irritation in the mouth, the risk of catching an STI from kissing is very low. Most infections require more direct sexual contact, such as oral sex or vaginal sex, to spread.
Is deep kissing more risky than a quick kiss?
Yes, deep or prolonged kissing can slightly increase the risk. This is because there is more saliva exchanged and a higher chance of contact with small cuts or irritation inside the mouth.
Can you get genital herpes from kissing?
Not from kissing alone. However, if oral herpes is present and there is oral sex involved, the virus can spread and lead to genital herpes. This is why it’s important to avoid any form of intimate contact during an active outbreak.
What should I do if I’m worried after kissing someone?
If you’re concerned, the best thing to do is monitor for any symptoms such as cold sores, ulcers, or unusual irritation. If anything develops, or if you simply want peace of mind, speaking to a healthcare provider or getting tested can give you clarity.
How long after kissing would symptoms appear?
If an infection is passed on, symptoms can appear within a few days to a couple of weeks. Some viral infections may stay dormant for longer, meaning you might not notice symptoms straight away.
Can kissing cause long term complications?
This is very unlikely. Most infections linked to kissing are mild and manageable. However, if left untreated, some conditions could lead to more severe symptoms or longer-term health issues, which is why early checks are always recommended.
