Expert: Terry B - 7/8/2007

Question
I have a question? I know that I am very parinoid on this topic but when it comes to aids or hiv its important.Last night i was at a friends house this guy I know is gay and he could have aids or hiv,one of my friends told me he has it if he does could you get transmitted with the disease if u have an open cut on the corners of your lips after drinking after him?

Answer
Dear Jenn:

Peace.  There's still a lot of misinformation out there about HIV/AIDS - thanks for asking your question.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.  It is primarily transmitted from person to person by means of blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and sometimes breast milk.  Unless those fluids are present, and come from an infected person, there is no risk.  

While gay men certainly took the forefront of leadership and education in the early days of the epidemic, we have learned that most people contract the virus from heterosexual contact - again, the fluids I mentioned don't discriminate about sexual orientation.

Hope this helps.  For more information about HIV/AIDS please visit www.thebody.com or www.unaids.org and join us in teaching others about this disease.

Again, thank you for your question.  The very best to you and yours.

Terry