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Expert: Terry B - 9/25/2007


Question
I have a flatmate who keeps blowing his nose in the bath tub and always leaves blood on the shower curtain, is there a risk to get infected (if he is positive) when Iam on my period and shower after him??? Because i do not know much about his health and he is quite mysterious.

Answer
Dear Sandie:

Peace.  Your flatmate leaving mucous and blood on the shower curtain is more than mysterious, s/he is inconsiderate, and endangers the health of others.  

Blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk are fluids that transmit HIV.  You are at some risk if in contact with your flatmate's blood, as is he if exposed to your menstrual fluids; you are at no greater risk because you are "on" your period (you are not exposing an open wound to his fluids).   

I would recommend that you and your flatmate(s) look to www.cdc.gov and information on bloodbourne pathogens.  Filling a spray bottle with a 10% bleach solution and spraying surfaces before and after you shower should provide disinfection sufficient to reduce your risks significantly.

That all being said, your risk of HIV transmission from what you describe is low, but other infections are more easily transmitted.

The best to you, your health, and your flatmates.

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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