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AIDS/HIV transmission rub eyes?

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Expert: Terry B - 10/2/2008


Question
Dear Terry,
Yesterday my toddler daughter accidentally touched tiny blood-like spot on a person's shirt in a store, and after around only 20 seconds she proceeded to rub his eyes.  If this person by chance had HIV, would there be any risk of transmission via rubbing her eyes? I did not check my daughter's hand and just wiped her hands. However, I did not see blood around her eyes. Now, I could not stop thinking the possibility of HIV transmission. Thank you soooooo much for all of your help.

Answer
Dear V:

Peace.  A blood-like spot wouldn't transfer enough cells containing HIV to pose any risk, even if the person were infected and the blood fresh.  References below for more information, but that's really the answer.  I hope that helps.

Terry

If you want a broader understanding of HIV transmission and relative risks, please go to www.avert.org or www.thebody.com.  For specific relative rates of infection - health care workers and exposure to blood - you can read some of the stats at www.cdc.gov.

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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