Carnival is approaching, time to join the festivities. For those who enjoy the party and have time off, there are four days to enjoy and participate in street blocks, samba school parades, and balls; it's a time to have fun and for many, to kiss!
Dentist and Clinical Director of IOS – Instituto Odontológico, Dr. Marlei Bonella highlights the importance of maintaining strict oral hygiene during Carnival to avoid the spread of diseases, such as the well-known "kissing disease" or infectious mononucleosis. “This disease - commonly observed among young people during the festivities - presents symptoms such as sore throat and infections, including canker sores and herpes,” says the dentist.
Infectious mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The disease mainly affects young people and adults with an average age between 15 to 25 years and is considered common worldwide. According to the Ministry of Health, the symptoms of this illness last on average 30 to 45 days and cause sore throat, fatigue, malaise, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
The dentist emphasizes the need for precautions, in addition to regular brushing, such as using dental floss and mouthwash. “Avoid sharing personal utensils, such as cups and cutlery, due to the possibility of disease transmission through saliva,” Marlei stresses.
She states that the biggest problem with the kissing disease is that it can be transmitted by an infected person - without symptoms - for up to a year after the infection.
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