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Expert: Terry B - 12/9/2007


Question
QUESTION: I live in a college dormitory at the moment, and when I went to the bathroom, I cleaned the toilet seat with a toilet tissue.  My finger had touched the toilet seat, and I later, before washing my hands, had rubbed my eye (don't remember if it was the same finger).  I'm scared as anything, and want to know if there's any risk of HIV infection?

ANSWER: Dear Xyz:

Peace.  Unless you transmitted visible blood, semen, or vaginal secretions to your eye (mucous membrane) you are at no risk of HIV infection.

Hope this helps,

Terry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, there was semi-dry urine on the bowl when i was wiping it.  And since I'm in college, i know for a fact that everyone plays with themselves somewhere or sometime... and I'm just scared shitless about it.

Answer
Dear Xyz:

Peace.  

Semi-dry urine is not blood, semen, or vaginal secretion.  Even if you encountered these fluids, the amount to which you would have been exposed is infinitesimal, and low are the chances that the person is HIV infected.  I am aware of NO reported transmissions of HIV from what you describe.

Hope this helps.

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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