kissing

[susi]

could we hear about the risks of sti infection as a result of kissing?

if throats can be infected with sti's can it be passed that way and what about cold sores, herpes or warts....can these be passed through kissing?

 

[susi]

i found this,

https://perb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=46170&highlight=kissing

i would still like to know about genital warts on the face or in mouth.....

 

[Health Nurse]

could we hear about the risks of sti infection as a result of kissing?

if throats can be infected with sti's can it be passed that way and what about cold sores, herpes or warts....can these be passed through kissing?

Hi Susi

Kissing is an activity that has a risk for several different infections. Most of these we would not consider to be sexually transmitted.

Herpes (cold sores) is an infection that passes well from kissing. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the most common one on the lips. Most people get this from contact at an early age.

We have always said that there is a possible risk with syphilis as there can be syphilis sores in the mouth and they are very infectious. The exact risk is unknown as kissing can be part of other types of sex.

Hepatitis B is another virus that is in the saliva. The risk from kissing would be considered lower than coming in contact with blood for hepatitis B. With this one I would recommend getting the hepatitis B vaccine.

In regard to HIV, kissing is not seen as a risk factor. There have been a few unreliable reports of HIV transmission taking place if blood is present, but I have not been able to find any good evidence.

There are over 100 different types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that affect the human body. Some types of HPV are linked to cancer and warts, but the majority of HPV causes no harm to the person. Warts in the mouth can spread from kissing, but given the amount of kissing going on we do not see many warts on the mouth.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia can live in the throat, but we do not see these infections passing from kissing.

The main infections that pass from kissing would not be considered sexually transmitted. These are strep (streptococcus), mono (mononucleosis), meningococcal, common colds and flu’s.

In regard to sexually transmitted infections kissing is seen as safer sex.

Let us know if you want us to expand on a topic. Remember if you would like to ask me a personal question just send me a PM.

HN
www.stiresource.com

 

[Health Nurse]

Hi all

I have had a few PM’s in regard to the kissing answer, so I thought it would be good to discuss it a little bit more

In regard to sexually transmitted infections we would see kissing as practicing safer sex and it would be safer than unprotected oral sex or unprotected vaginal/anal sex.

In regard to safer sex I mean there is still some risk but if you are going to have sex with someone it is a safer option.

The thing with kissing though is that it can be a very intimate experience for people. If someone does not offer kissing it can be more to do with how they feel than any risk with a sexually transmitted infection.

We get a chance to talk to many people who do not kiss because it crosses an emotional line that they are not comfortable with. For long term mental health it is good for people to know where their lines are and for other people to respect these limits.

Let us know if you want us to expand on a topic. Remember if you would like to ask me a personal question just send me a PM.

HN
www.stiresource.com

 

[thrillseeker1]

What about kissing and HPV....Oral Cancer is now thought to be caused by HPV and its skin to skin contact transmission so whats the difference between kissing and oral sex?

 

[Health Nurse]

What about kissing and HPV....Oral Cancer is now thought to be caused by HPV and its skin to skin contact transmission so whats the difference between kissing and oral sex?

Hi thrillseeker1

There has been a lot of discussion around the potential link between oral sex, HPV infection, and oral cancer development. There is growing evidence that certain types of HPV that are found on the genitals can be linked to certain types of oral cancer. This research is still ongoing and there is still not a clear picture of what the actual risk is.

There is some evidence that HPV can be transmitted with kissing. Again this research is still ongoing and the actual risk is still unknown.

In regard to your question I am unsure what is worse in terms of HPV transmission kissing or oral sex. It seems that both of them can transmit HPV to some degree but I could not find any information on how they compare.

If I find any additional information I will post it.

HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com
www.bccdc.ca

 

[Health Nurse]

Since we are talking about HPV. I thought I would mention that Health Canada has approved the HPV vaccine for use in men.

Here is a link for more information.
http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/news/gardasil-approved-for-males

HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com
www.bccdc.ca

 

[sonoman]

^ Thanks. Do you know at all why Gardasil is only approved for the 9 to 26 age group?

Gardasil, a vaccine against human papilloma virus (HPV), has been approved as a treatment to prevent genital warts in males aged nine to 26 in Canada

 

[thrillseeker1]

I was told it is for cost effective measures.Vacinating a girl at nine before the age of sex ensures she wont contract the strains of the virus that the vacinne protects against.By the age of 26 it is almost certain a woman has had sex and most likely has the virus already.Therefore the government would be wasting money vacinating people who already have it.I guess they failed to take into account that the vacine protects against more than one strain and could be useful in protecting already infected women from being infected with a second type of the virus.

 

[sonoman]

Perhaps, but I'm more curious if it's safe for men to be vaccinated beyond that age, cost aside.

 

[thrillseeker1]

As far as I know almost anyone can be vaccinated regardless of age.The 9-26 age group is free,past 26 its 150 a shot total of three shots.I'm getting my first one next week.

 

[Health Nurse]

^ Thanks. Do you know at all why Gardasil is only approved for the 9 to 26 age group?

Hi sonoman

It is only approved for this age group because the original clinical trials were done with this age group. From the clinical trials they found that people in this age group had a good immune response to the vaccine.

The reason they studied this young age group is because.
- People generally come in contact with HPV soon after they start having sex.
- HPV infection is most common in teenagers and young adults.
- Younger people generally have a better immune response to vaccines than older people.

For more information about the vaccine have a look at this link on our blog. It has an audio interview with Dr Gina Ogilvie about the vaccine.
http://healthnurse.wordpress.com/podcasts/hpv-vaccine-and-sex-workers/


HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com
www.bccdc.ca

 

[Health Nurse]

I was told it is for cost effective measures.Vacinating a girl at nine before the age of sex ensures she wont contract the strains of the virus that the vacinne protects against.By the age of 26 it is almost certain a woman has had sex and most likely has the virus already.Therefore the government would be wasting money vacinating people who already have it.I guess they failed to take into account that the vacine protects against more than one strain and could be useful in protecting already infected women from being infected with a second type of the virus.

Hi thrillseeker1

You bring up a good point about protection from other strains. Gina discussed this in her interview.
http://healthnurse.wordpress.com/podcasts/hpv-vaccine-and-sex-workers/

In summary she suggested talking with your doctor about this as the HPV vaccine may be of some benefit as it could protect against another strain that you don’t have.


HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com
www.bccdc.ca

 

[Health Nurse]

Hi sonoman


I have not heard of age being a problem with the HPV vaccine. The main issue is more about cost and if it will be effective.

The vaccine is approved for use in the 9 to 26 age group, but it can be prescribed as “off label” for other age groups. The main thing to do is to talk with your doctor to see if it is worthwhile.

HN

 

[Health Nurse]

As far as I know almost anyone can be vaccinated regardless of age.The 9-26 age group is free,past 26 its 150 a shot total of three shots.I'm getting my first one next week.

Hi thrillseeker1

I just wanted to clarify who can get the free vaccine. Currently in BC the HPV vaccine is only free to girls in grades 6 and 9. They can either get it at their school or local public health unit.

Everyone else would need to pay for the vaccine.

HN

 

[sonoman]

Hi sonoman


I have not heard of age being a problem with the HPV vaccine. The main issue is more about cost and if it will be effective.

The vaccine is approved for use in the 9 to 26 age group, but it can be prescribed as “off label” for other age groups. The main thing to do is to talk with your doctor to see if it is worthwhile.

Thanks for posting.