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Expert: Terry B - 4/9/2008


Question
I think I may have put some dried blood in my mouth, which I thought was mine, only a small speck. I was on the train and had a cut, i assumed the dried blood speck was mine
What is the risk of HIV transmission?
Thankyou, i can't stop thinking about it, very worried.

Also whats the risk from kissing (wet kissing) someone with a tongue piercing?

Answer
Dear Annabel:

Peace and all good things to you.  What you describe poses no risk of HIV transmission.  HIV is transmitted by means of blood, semen, or vaginal secretions - and in some cases, breast milk.  If you are not in contact with these fluids from an infected person, you are not at risk.  Please note that when blood dries thoroughly, the cells in which HIV is contained disintegrate, and the virus is unable to make copies of itself.  Unless these fluids are present when and where you are kissing, you should be at no risk.  

I would recommend you look back through this forum for answers to other questions, and to www.avert.org or www.thebody.com for broader information on HIV and AIDS.

The best to you and yours,

Terry

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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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