Expert: Terry B - 3/19/2009

Question
Hi,

This is the first time that I'm posting here and so sorry if I sound stupid, but this thing has been worrying me for sometime now.

About a month ago, a my friend visited us. I later came to know that he is HIV+.
My brother and I were playing with him in the lawn. There was a bush which had thorns in it. My friend collided scraped against the bush and something scratched/bruised him from over his T-shirt. After playing I noticed that my brother and I had some scratches/minor bruises.

This is really worrying me and I am a lot worried about my brother as well.

As far as I know about my friend's injury is that he was not bleeding visibly. He had two small scratches on this arm - the ones which turn into little red stitch like lines that come off if you scrape them with your nails.

I do not know if this was a risky encounter or not. Please help me.  

Answer
Dear One_Grl:

Peace.  HIV is transmitted by blood, vaginal secretions, semen, and, in some cases, breast milk.  If blood from an infected person were on the thorn and you and/or your brother ran into that same thorn amost immediately afterwards, if it pierced your skin - there might be some risk.  The chances of this, however, are very very low; a bruise or scratch that didn't immediately produce blood would not pose a risk.

Please go to www.avert.org or www.thebody.com for more information on how HIV is transmitted and how to protect yourself and others.

Best to you and yours,

Terry