For many, kissing feels as natural as breathing. People often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, some kiss others' babies during visits, and others express their romantic feelings with a kiss. All humans are potential carriers of various viruses and bacteria that can cause infections. Within families, where contact is constant, the risk is mitigated. However, interactions between less familiar individuals can lead to unexpected outcomes. Pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems should be particularly cautious about kissing. This includes cancer patients, HIV-positive individuals, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapies. Similarly, those with congenital or acquired immune deficiencies are at higher risk. Parents of infants must exercise extra vigilance. Strangers should not be allowed to kiss babies on the forehead or cheek, as infants have weak immune systems and are highly susceptible to infections. Casual kisses with unfamiliar individuals can transmit diseases like herpes simplex virus (types 1 and 2), which causes cold sores on the lips. This virus remains in the body for life and can be deadly for vulnerable individuals. Kissing can also spread the Epstein-Barr virus, responsible for infectious mononucleosis. This virus is more common in children and can be transmitted by asymptomatic carriers. Hepatitis A is another illness that can be passed through kissing. The primary mode of transmission is direct contact, dirty hands, or contaminated food. For individuals with digestive issues, such as nausea or diarrhea, kissing can transmit rotavirus, which spreads via saliva droplets. In winter, the risk of catching the flu through kissing is especially high, particularly if the infected individual does not isolate. Thus, kissing should be approached with caution. Ensure that the individuals you or your children come into contact with are healthy, or rely on a strong immune system to minimize risks.