Expert: Terry B - 12/20/2007

Question
I was at college today and the computer I was going to use, wasn't workin, and neither did the other ones, so the last 1 there, the keyboard and mouse were further down the desk, so I moved them up and I noticed on the keyboard there were some red marks, I'm 100% sure it was blood.

Anyway I was wearing a glove, I'm scared of germs and it's mostly AIDS, so at that time the fire alarm went off, so I kind of looked at the glove I didn't see anything, but I'm worried that there could have been a tiny bit of blood I didn't see and I'm worried it's all over my jacket , incase my sleeve touched the mouse, and I only had 1 glove on and I'm worried that when I was taking it off with my hand that didn't have a glove on, that I got blood on my hand and it got into my cuts, I have a lot from washing my hands, most them were covered but I couldn't cover all them.

So is a small amount of blood enought to give me AIDS and it would have been at least 30 minutes after when I touched the keyboard, it could have been there longer, but it was at least 30 minutes, how long does AIDS last for? and could any blood have got through my gloves, they are only vynil gloves (I'm not sure I spelt that right)

Is there any chance I could have AIDS?


Answer
Dear Nicola:

Peace.  No chance of contracting HIV in the way you describe.  The blood would need be fluid (wet) to have any intact virus, even if it was from an infected person (unlikely), a cance encounter with your intact skin is of no risk, and the virus cannot pass through intact latex or vinyl.  I would suggest that you speak with a health professional about what seems a preoccupation with germs; this can be a symptom of some problems that are best treated by a health professional or counselor.

The best to you and yours.

Terry