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AIDS/sticking my hand in a toilet

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Expert: Terry B - 9/14/2007


Question
I know someone with HIV and by mistake i broke a glass and some of it ended up in his toilet, i had to stick my hand in the toilet(i used a bag) and get the glass out but after getting the glass out i noticed that the bag was ripped and that there was water from the toilet all over my hand, but i wasn't cut

so i washed my hands  with soapy water, this just happened

i also know that the person used the toilet about 1 hour before this happened

Answer
Dear John:

Peace.  HIV is transmitted by blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.  None could remain in the toilet in sufficient quantities to infect you.  

Thanks for an easy question after a pretty rough week!  Have a great life and best of health.

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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