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Expert: Terry B - 1/10/2009


Question
I recently went to get a lap dance from a stripper and while she was dancing she was masturbating herself. After she did this she grabed and touched my hands. On my left hand I had broken skin that was still very sensitive and appeared to be fresh. However her hands didn't actually
feel really that wet. I'm very concerned and need to have my mind put to rest about the chances of hiv transmission.

Answer
Dear Rick:

Peace.  I can't put your mind to rest except to say that your exposure seems low risk - due to the amount of fluid to which you were exposed, uncertainty about the HIV and other STI status of your dancer, and the duration and frequency of your exposure; but I'd recommend being cautious for six weeks from the incident and be tested.  And be cautious after, of course, protecting yourself from the blood, semen, and vaginal secretions of others.  Broken skin is a continuum - with actively bleeding, weeping, wounds highest risk - and your risk decreasing as your wound heals.  Better to have knowledge through being tested than to depend on probability.

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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