The Health Risks of Kissing

Respiratory syncytial virus is a respiratory infection that can make you pretty miserable. Its symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. It can spread in many ways, including kissing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Parents especially want to avoid kissing their child’s face if the child has RSV — or the whole family might get it. There isn’t a vaccine just yet, so if you have cold-like symptoms, make sure you aren’t kissing others. The CDC also recommends covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, not sharing eating and drinking utensils and washing your hands often.