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Expert: Terry B - 2/19/2009


Question
A sex worker kissed my neck while giving me a handjob. Later I noticed dry blood. I used saliva to wipe it and it began bleeding again. I had shaved 40 mins roughly before this event. I did not notice any blood in or on her mouth at any time. She kissed my neck quite a lot with pursed lips. What do you think about the possible risk?

Answer
Dear Mark:

Peace.  If she were infected, saliva itself would not be able to pass HIV, even to an open wound; see www.thebody.com and/or www.avert.org for greater detail.  Your risk for HIV transmission in what you describe seems non-existent.  As you'll note, however, from my other responses, HIV is not as easily transmitted as some other infections - Herpes and Hepatitis are two examples.  

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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