1. Do You Have a Compromised Immune System?
Strictly speaking, oral thrush is simply an overzealous growth of yeast that you already have on your skin, in your mouth and in your stomach. It's not considered contagious per se, since the Candida fungus that causes it is always already present. However, coming into close contact with highly concentrated lesion deposits of this yeast can introduce a large volume of spores to your mouth.
If your body has a compromised immune system because of chemotherapy, HIV infection or other causes, the fungus may be able to gain a stronger than normal foothold and spread.
2. Limiting Intimate Contact
The fungus is transmissible from one person to another through close intimate contact such as kissing. If your partner is experiencing a case of thrush mouth and you have a weakened immune system or other risk factors such as advanced diabetes or dentures, you're better off waiting until the infection clears up before resuming intimate contact.
Other risk factors can contribute to the transmission of oral thrush. If you've recently had an organ transplant, take chemotherapy drugs or take corticosteroids or antibiotics, the Candida fungus will have an easier time growing in your mouth and on your tongue.
3. Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Infants (along with the elderly) are a high-risk group, and if your baby gets thrush mouth and you're breastfeeding, complications can develop. In essence, you and your baby will constantly reinfect each other back and forth each time you breastfeed. To end the cycle, both you and your baby will need to seek medical treatment.
Your doctor will prescribe separate treatments to both of you, and you'll probably be asked to cease breastfeeding for a few days until the fungal infections clear up. Normally, acute oral thrush infections take 5 to 10 days to recede to safe levels.
