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Expert: Terry B - 9/15/2006


Question
I have only ever heard of one case where they have got HIV from kissing, plus my ulcer was not bleeding.

Also we were drinking shots and alchohol between kissing, so oviously that would have killed the virus.

Answer
Dear Kyle:

Peace to you and yours.  HIV transmission from kissing is at best mythical and relies on self-reporting.  Consuming alcohol does NOT reduce risk and resultant judgement lapses may in fact increase risk.  If the only fluid exchange you engaged in was mouth-to-mouth, your risk of contracting HIV is very, very, very low.

Hope this helps.

Terry

AIDS

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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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