You are here:

AIDS/Possible HIV transmission

Advertisement

Expert: Terry B - 1/20/2009


Question
Dear Terry,
Yesterday, I shared a drink straw with a person who I know is sexually active.
I had root canal treatment later that day on a tooth, so I had a large bump on
my gum, but the skin was not broken. I was wanting to know if a) if she had
a cut in her mouth, would that be sufficient to transfer HIV, and b) do both
people have to have broken skin in their mouthes for HIV infection, or can
once person simply infect a drink and then swallowing that liquid would lead
to infection?
How much blood would have to be passed on?

Thankyou

Answer
Dear Dave:

Peace.  A small amount of blood in a syringe can transmit HIV because in needle/works sharing among injection drug users, the virus is injected into the bloodstream.  A small amount of blood, semen, and/or vaginal secretions is of small risk when in contact with intact skin and/or mucous membranes.  The situation you describe involves questionable HIV status, dilution, and no evidence of any exposure to the virus.  If you were to ingest her blood or vaginal secretions directly, it would be of some risk if she were infected; as you describe, no risk at all.

Best to you and yours,

Terry

AIDS

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.