Kissing isn’t completely risk-free for STIs, though.
Sexually transmitted infectionsare bacterial or viral infections that are usually spread through sexual contact.
Oral herpes, CMV, and syphilis are all diagnosed with a blood test.
Don Mason / Getty Images
Those with weakened immune systems should contact their healthcare providers for their recommended course of treatment.
These include:
Summary
STIs are diseases that are primarily spread through sexual contact.
Some sex acts are higher risk than others.
American Sexual Health Association.Herpes: Fast Facts.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.
New York State Department Of Health.Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting Tested for STIs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis - STI treatment guidelines, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to Prevent STIs.
