You are here:

AIDS/hiv infection

Advertisement

Expert: Terry B - 9/15/2007


Question
Hi, I am concerned with catching HIV. I do not have risky sex or use drugs. the reason I'm concerned with catching is because I hang around some people who live risky lifestyles and could possible be infected with HIV. I am athletic, so I will often have scrapes and cuts on my body. Am I at risk for catching HIV from others because of these scrapes and cuts? For example; if one of my risky friends have cuts on there body and we are sharing the same car or seats or shaking hands and sharing cigarettes, or if i am touching things that they  have been on and then i would touch my cuts/scrapes.

Answer
Dear Evan:

Peace.  HIV is transmitted by blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.  Placing your open sore on someone else's above-mentioned fluids will place you at significant risk; otherwise, avoiding those fluids is sufficient protection.  Relax and enjoy your friendships.

Best to you and yours,

Terry

AIDS

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.