Expert: Terry B - 4/2/2008

Question
Hi. I'm sure you probably get questions like this 230248 times a day and I apologize if it sounds crazy. I just get really paranoid/OCD about stuff like this, and won't rest until I get some more info. I used a public bathroom and I lost my balance (don't quite know how that happened) and my hand ended up in the toilet bowl. At first, I didn't think much of it. I was just kind of grossed out. Later, I started thinking what if I could get HIV from something like this? From what I know, it was only my stuff in the toilet...but I don't know that for sure. Is there a risk of me getting HIV from this? Also, I cut my finger pretty badly when I was out the other night. I didn't really even realize it until the next day. I then started to freak out again. I didn't engage in any risky behavior or anything, but what if my cut somehow came in contact with blood or something without me knowing it? Is there a high risk for that?

I've also been hearing a lot about the "HIV rash" which is starting to freak me out because I had a rash on my stomach not too long ago. It was bumpy and didn't itch, but was just kind of there. Could this be a sign of HIV?

I'm sorry for the 900 questions. I'm just SO paranoid it's ridiculous. I feel like HIV is everywhere :(

Answer
Dear Rose:

Peace.  Please review past questions in this forum on the risk (or, more specifically, non-risk) of HIV transmission in what you describe.
The 'bottom line" is that there is no risk for HIV transmission from putting your hand in the toilet; and the only way to know if you are HIV infected is to be tested, so focusing on common symptoms will just raise your anxiety.  HIV is NOT everywhere, and we know it is transmitted among adults primarily through sexual activity and sharing of needles among injection drug users.

I would recommend that you visit www.thebody.com or www.avert.org and read up a bit on HIV/AIDS - more knowledge will decrease your anxiety.

Best to you and yours,

Terry