Kissing and Your Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kissing can be a fun and meaningful part of relationships, and it even offers some surprising health benefits. However, it can also transmit a small number of disease‑causing bacteria and viruses. In Grand Rapids, where we see seasonal colds, flu, and other infections spike during our long Michigan winters, it’s helpful to understand how kissing affects your health and how to stay safe.

Bacteria and viruses in the saliva or blood of one person can be spread to another person through kissing, especially deep or prolonged kissing.

How Infections Spread During Kissing

In Grand Rapids, the same ways infections spread in the community (schools, workplaces, churches, and social events) also apply to kissing.

Main Ways Germs Spread

  • Contact spread

    • Direct contact – for example, kissing someone who is sick or has an active cold sore.
    • Indirect contact – touching a contaminated surface (like a shared cup, utensils, or a doorknob) and then touching your mouth, nose, or face.

  • Droplet spread

    • Infected droplets from the nose or throat can travel about one meter (roughly 3 feet) when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
    • These droplets can land on surfaces or occasionally linger briefly in the air.
    • Infection occurs when these droplets are inhaled or transferred from a surface to your mouth, nose, or eyes.

  • Airborne spread

    • Tiny particles called droplet nuclei can stay suspended in the air longer and be inhaled directly into the lungs.
    • Some infections spread this way more easily in closed indoor spaces, which is especially relevant during Michigan’s colder months when people spend more time inside.

Kissing brings faces very close together, which increases the chance of contact and droplet spread.

Viruses That Can Be Transmitted by Kissing

Colds (Upper Respiratory Tract Infections)

Many different viruses cause the common cold, and they are common in West Michigan, especially in fall and winter.

  • Colds spread through:
    • Direct contact with secretions (mucus, saliva) from an infected person’s nose or throat
    • Airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking
  • Kissing someone who has a cold, or sharing drinks and utensils, can increase your risk.

Glandular Fever (Infectious Mononucleosis)

Often called the “kissing disease,” glandular fever is caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV).

  • Spread mainly through saliva
  • Infection occurs through close contact, such as deep kissing or sharing drinks and utensils
  • Symptoms can include:
    • Extreme tiredness
    • Sore throat
    • Swollen glands
    • Fever

If you or your teen in Grand Rapids has prolonged fatigue and sore throat, your provider at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health may test for mono.

Herpes Infections (Cold Sores)

Herpes viruses include:

  • Epstein–Barr virus (mono)
  • Varicella‑zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles)
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV‑1 and HSV‑2) – HSV‑1 commonly causes cold sores on or around the lips

Herpes simplex virus can be spread through direct contact with the virus when kissing.

  • It is most contagious when blisters are forming or have erupted.
  • The virus can still be shed (spread) even when the skin looks healed.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is caused by varicella‑zoster virus and is:

  • Easily spread from person to person by:
    • Direct contact with blisters
    • Droplet spread (coughing, sneezing)
    • Airborne spread
  • Kissing someone who has active chickenpox, or close face‑to‑face contact, can increase transmission.

In Kent County, chickenpox is much less common than it used to be because of vaccination, but outbreaks can still occur, especially in unvaccinated groups.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver.

  • Blood has much higher levels of the virus than saliva.
  • Kissing may transmit the virus if:
    • There are open sores, cuts, or bleeding gums in or around the mouth.
    • Infected blood and saliva come into direct contact with another person’s bloodstream or mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth or nose).

Vaccination against hepatitis B is part of routine childhood immunizations in Michigan and is also recommended for many adults.

Warts in the Mouth

Some types of warts can appear in the mouth and may be spread through kissing, particularly if there are:

  • Recent injuries or trauma in the mouth
  • Open sores or irritated areas

If you notice unusual bumps or growths in your mouth, a Grand Rapids dentist or oral health specialist can evaluate them.

Bacterial Infections That Can Be Transmitted by Kissing

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can cause:

  • Meningitis – inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord
  • Septicaemia (sepsis) – a severe bloodstream infection

These bacteria can be spread by:

  • Direct contact with saliva or respiratory secretions
  • Droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close face‑to‑face contact

Studies suggest that, in terms of kissing, only deep kissing (prolonged, with saliva exchange) appears to be a significant risk factor.

College students and young adults in Grand Rapids—especially those living in dorms or group housing—are at slightly higher risk, which is why meningococcal vaccination is recommended.

Tooth Decay (Dental Caries)

The bacteria that cause tooth decay are not present in the mouths of newborn babies.

  • A baby’s mouth becomes colonized with these bacteria through infected saliva, which can be passed by:
    • Kissing a baby on the lips
    • Sharing spoons, bottles, or pacifiers that an adult has had in their mouth

Maintaining good oral hygiene in parents and caregivers in Grand Rapids can help reduce the risk of early childhood tooth decay.

Keeping It in Perspective

You do not need to give up kissing to stay healthy.

  • While disease‑causing germs can be transferred during a kiss, most will not cause serious illness.
  • For healthy people, the overall risk of severe disease from kissing is generally low.

The goal is to be aware and take reasonable precautions, especially during Michigan’s cold and flu season or if someone is clearly sick.

How to Reduce Infection Risk While Kissing

You can significantly lower your risk of passing on, or catching, an infection while still enjoying close contact.

When to Avoid Kissing

Try to avoid kissing:

  • When you or the other person is sick, especially with:
    • Fever
    • Sore throat
    • Bad cough
    • Obvious cold or flu symptoms
  • When you or the other person has:
    • An active cold sore
    • Warts in or around the mouth
    • Ulcers or open sores on the lips or inside the mouth

This is especially important in winter and early spring in Grand Rapids, when respiratory infections are more common.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral health can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth and support overall health.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily.
  • Visit a Grand Rapids dentist regularly for cleanings and check‑ups.
  • Limit sugary foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay.

Practice Respiratory Hygiene

To reduce the spread of colds and flu in our community:

  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
  • Throw tissues away immediately and wash your hands.
  • Avoid close face‑to‑face contact and kissing when you have a cold, flu, or COVID‑like symptoms.

Vaccinations That Can Help Protect You

Several vaccines can reduce your risk of infections that may be spread through kissing or close contact:

  • Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine
  • Hepatitis B vaccine
  • Meningococcal vaccines (including group C and other types, depending on age and risk)
  • Flu vaccine (annually)
  • COVID‑19 vaccines and boosters, as recommended

In Grand Rapids, you can get vaccines from:

  • Your primary care provider at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Many urgent care clinics and pharmacies
  • The Kent County Health Department, which offers immunization services and community clinics

Staying up‑to‑date on vaccines is especially important before:

  • Starting college
  • Traveling
  • The fall and winter respiratory season in Michigan

Health Benefits of Kissing

It’s important to remember the positive side of kissing. Research shows that kissing—especially with someone you care about—can support both emotional and physical health.

Emotional Bonding

  • Kissing your partner is a pleasurable and meaningful part of physical intimacy.
  • It helps maintain a sense of connection, affection, and love.
  • For couples in Grand Rapids dealing with long winters and shorter daylight hours, emotional closeness can be especially valuable for mental well‑being.

Stress Reduction

Kissing releases calming brain chemicals (neurotransmitters and hormones), such as:

  • Oxytocin – promotes bonding and relaxation
  • Endorphins – natural “feel‑good” chemicals
  • Dopamine – associated with pleasure and reward

These can:

  • Reduce stress levels
  • Improve mood
  • Help soothe anxiety

Role in Sexual Health

Deep or passionate kissing can be part of foreplay and may lead to sexual intercourse.

  • Various studies show that healthy, consensual sexual activity can:
    • Lower stress
    • Improve sleep
    • Support mental health
  • For adults, regular sexual intimacy within a safe, respectful relationship can contribute to overall well‑being.

Metabolic Boost

Kissing burns a small number of calories, and:

  • The more passionate the kiss, the greater the metabolic boost.
  • While it’s not a substitute for exercise, it can be one small part of an active, engaged lifestyle.

Healthier Mouth

Saliva naturally contains substances that help fight:

  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Fungi

Deep kissing increases the flow of saliva, which can help:

  • Wash away food particles
  • Neutralize acids
  • Support healthier teeth and gums

This works best when combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.

Increased Immunity

Regular exposure to the everyday germs that inhabit your partner’s mouth can:

  • Gently challenge your immune system
  • Help it become more robust over time

While this doesn’t replace vaccinations or other preventive measures, it may play a small role in strengthening your immune defenses.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have questions about infections, kissing, or vaccines, you can reach out to:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Your dentist – for concerns about oral health, cold sores, or tooth decay
  • Kent County Health Department – for:
    • Immunization clinics
    • Public health information
    • Community resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local clinics – for education on sexually transmitted infections, vaccines, and preventive care

If you are unsure whether a symptom or exposure is serious, you can also call your clinic’s nurse line or a local urgent care for advice.

Key Points to Remember

  • Many different viruses can cause the common cold, and they can be spread through kissing and close contact.
  • Deep kissing (with saliva exchange) is the main kissing‑related risk factor for infections like meningococcal disease.
  • The bacteria that cause tooth decay are not present at birth; they are passed on, often through saliva contact such as kissing and sharing utensils.
  • You can lower infection risk by:
    • Avoiding kissing when you or your partner are sick or have mouth sores
    • Maintaining good oral hygiene
    • Practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette
    • Staying up‑to‑date on vaccinations
  • Kissing also has real health benefits, including emotional bonding, stress reduction, and support for oral and immune health.

With sensible precautions and good preventive care, people in Grand Rapids can enjoy the emotional and physical benefits of kissing while keeping infection risks low.