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AIDS/HIV via a handshake?

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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 10/5/2007


Question
I had a 2-day old cut on my hand, and shook my friend's hand the other day.  Now, I've browsed the forum and have read numerous times that handshaking simply does not spread HIV.  But, my question to you is: WHY is it not a way to transmit, even with a cut?  I am asking you this particularly to dampen my fears of HIV and to allow myself to move on with my life.

Answer
If your hand had a gaping wound, pouring blood, and so did the other person, then transmission could be possible. Aside from that, it isnt. HIV doesnt pass through unbroken skin. So aside from the fact a small cut isnt important, if the other person had no openings for blood to be oozing out, there's no way HIV was leaving that person's body via their hand.

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Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

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