Which condition is known as the "kissing disease" due to its mode of transmission?

Mononucleosis is commonly referred to as the "kissing disease" because it is primarily transmitted through saliva. The condition is most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is found in the saliva of infected individuals. Engaging in activities like kissing can facilitate the transfer of the virus from one person to another, leading to the infection.

Mononucleosis manifests with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, which can be severe, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Understanding the method of transmission is crucial in recognizing the social behaviors that can lead to its spread, thus justifying its nickname.

The other conditions listed do not share this specific mode of transmission. For instance, bronchiolitis is primarily linked to viral infections in the respiratory tract, whereas both acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are related to complications arising from other health issues, not direct person-to-person transmission via saliva.