Expert: Terry B - 12/27/2009

Question
Hello

Thanks for your service and thanks, in advance, for the answer.

This situation is very different from the often quoted methods of transmission and I've been told by a number of people that this "isn't how HIV is transmitted" i.e. not sex, needles, or mother-child, however I've had a ton of anxiety about it in recent days.

Before Christmas, I was out shopping with my family and handed a few dollars to a man asking for money on a street corner.  I'd assume that he was homeless, and I know HIV rates are high among that population.  Afterwards, I drove for 4-5 more minutes and parked outside a store.  At the point, I'm pretty sure I reached into a bag and ate a throat lozenger (I've had a terribly sore throat and recent Acid reflux diagnosis).

A few hours later, I thought back on this and became very worried that I'd put myself at risk (although I'm not sure b/c I do have bad OCD)

Here's why I thought I may be at risk:
1) It was very cold so his hands may have been chapped/ bleeding.
2) I've read that HIV can live outside of the body for a number of minutes/ hours so I thought it could have been on my hand.
3) My throat being sore from acid reflux could provide a route of transmission.

What do you think the likelihood is of this risk?  My family thinks I'm crazy and I want to know if I actually have anything to worry about.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!  

Answer
Dear Daniel:

Peace.  The anxiety is worth addressing with your health provider - there is help for that and your acid reflux and other symptoms.  As for HIV risk, there's none in what you describe, but on some level you know that.  It's controlling the silly fears sometimes that's the difficulty.  Please see your provider or a counselor who can provide you with assistance.

Best to you and yours,

Terry