Expert: Terry B - 8/13/2008

Question
I know I am paranoid and worry excessively. I always wipe the toilet seat very carefully in public bathrooms, well about two weeks ago I was in a bit of a rush so I wiped it with a small piece of toilet paper, smaller than I normally do, and I felt a small splash of urine from the toilet seat
on my finger, usually I never come into contact with the urine. I washed my hands thoroughly with soap and water right away, and I have no cuts on my hands.  I can't help worrying though that the urine contained the hiv virus and that maybe it splashed underneath my fingernails and somehow entered my bloodstream.  Is this possible?  Sorry if I am being paranoid, I often get "aids paranoia". Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Julie, and peace.  Knowing you worry excessively might lead you to talk with a health professional about this; there are those who can really help you relax and enjoy life more than you are today.  I recommend this highly.

I also recommend going to www.thebody.com or www.avert.org for some reading on how HIV is spread, and more importantly, how it is NOT.  The fluids which pass HIV from an infected person to another are primarily blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and in some cases, breast-milk from mother to infant.  The number of times one is exposed, the amount of exposure to these fluids, the route of exposure (that is, whether on intact skin or injected), as well as other factors determine the degree of risk.  You will note that urine is not on this list.

So... short answer, you are at no risk from HIV/AIDS in what you describe.  Many questioners throughout my years here have had similar concerns and talk about a broader concern about infections; many of these describe benefits from talking with a professional about those concerns and learning to be happier.

I wish you the best with your health and happiness.

Terry