Expert: Terry B - 8/28/2007

Question
QUESTION: can one get hiv from sharing the same drinking glass with HIV+ person. Especially if i have bleeding gums and cracks on my lips. We were sharing a glas of sparkling water and alternativelly were drinking from the same glass. i did not particularly notice any blood stains on the glass

ANSWER: Dear Queser:

Peace.  HIV cannot be contracted through saliva exchange - the most probable fluid to which you may have been exposed.  It is, however, some risk to the person infected if the immune system is compromised and you are bleeding onto the glass.

I hope this answers your question.  Best to you and yours.

Terry

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

QUESTION: Hi again. I just recalled that during the lap dance one of the girls put a finger into her vagina for about 2 seconds. not sure if she then touched her boobs or nipples after that. assumming she did and she then rubbed her nipples over my mouth and eyes. could i get hiv from that? i licked her nipples as they passed my mouth while she was rubbing them in my face?

i am concerned since in the meantime i have spoken to my wife about the whole episode and told her about your glass sharing advice and we have now again had sex. I am concerned that this new information could be fatal in me for getting about it before.
Thanks
ANSWER: Dear Quesar:

Again, peace.  Nothing of what you describe constitues a serious risk of HIV transmission.  I would, however, recommend that you be tested for your own peace of mind.

Good health to you.

Terry

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

QUESTION: What do you mean by not a serious risk? meaning it is a small risk? yes i might be paranoid and will be getting a test anyway after 3 months. In the meantime you are saying it could be possible that i may have given it to my wife?
Thanks again  and hope we all have good health

Answer
Dear Quesar:

To clarify, if someone came to me and told me that they contracted HIV in the manner you describe, I would find it difficult to believe.  As a researcher and public health professional, I cannot say there is "NO" risk whatsoever, as you now describe exposure and because there are always strange exceptions. I would, however, not see what you describe as a plausible explanation of how HIV was transmitted.

I would recommend you meet with a face-to-face HIV counselor for whatever testing is available, again primarily to relieve your anxiety and fear.

Hope this helps,

Terry