Final answer:
Infectious mononucleosis, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, is known as the "kissing" disease due to its transmission through saliva.
Step-by-step explanation:
The infection known as the "kissing" disease is infectious mononucleosis, commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4) or less frequently by cytomegalovirus (HHV-5). It is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids, especially saliva. Infectious mononucleosis is generally a mild and common infection characterized by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen glands, and sore throat. Although it's most well-known for being transmitted via kissing—hence its nickname—mononucleosis can also spread through coughing, sneezing, or sharing drinks and utensils with an infected person.
While hepatitis, shingles, and other viral infections can also be transmitted between people, they are not commonly referred to as the "kissing" disease.