Important note: Information in this Q&A was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.Is having thrush contagious? Can it be passed on by kissing, etc.?
"Thrush" is caused by a fungus, Candida albicans.
This fungus lives almost everywhere, and you probably can't spread it by kissing, because it's already present in both people.
In people with normal immune systems, Candida just quietly goes about its' business, without any trouble.
In people with advanced immune deficiency, Candida invades the human tissue of the mouth deeply, leading to a deep infection.
You don't get thrush without HIV infection, and you don't need to worry about spreading Candida, because it's already there.
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