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AIDS/open cut handshake

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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 7/5/2007


Question
Hi, last week i shook a drug addict looking individuals hand. My finger was bleeding during this and after I shook his hand I noticed I had dry blood on the palm of my hand (from his).
I just wanted to know if a split finger would count as an open wound and the risk of transmission from this. Thanks!

Answer
Any opening to the body counts as an opening for viruses and bacteria to enter. Anytime that infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid and/or breast milk enter another person's body, transmission is possible. It is unlikely that that would have happened from a simpe hand shake.

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Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

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