Expert: Terry B - 4/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, i was at the lirary, when i started sneezing. I had no tissue paper, so i went to the toilet and took some toilet paper from the dispensor. As i wiped my nose i noticed there was dried blood on it. Now im scared that i have HIV because i have develped flu like sympotoms...Can u please tell me the chance or am i jus a hypcondriact
ANSWER: Dear Hakfu:

Peace and all good things.  My first response is to tell you that it is much more likely that your sneezing marked the onset of "flu-like symptoms", not your exposure to any dried blood on the toilet paper.  

If fluids dry completely, they are no longer capable of transmitting HIV.  Thus you are at no risk of HIV transmission from what you describe.

As for the answer to your last question, presenting flu-like symptoms appears consistent with the first cause of your concerns, your sneezing, so you are not a hypochondriac and have no chance of having contracted HIV from the toilet paper.

Have a great life and I hope you feel better soon.

Terry




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

QUESTION: Hello again brother. I was wondering how much fluid is required before there is a significant chance of catching HIV. I.e. does it have high infectivity or low infectivity.
I must apologize for the amount of errors in my previous question as i was typing with panic, worry and a fever =] (thanks again).
I hope that you will reply soon, thank you for your time

all the best brother

Answer
Dear Hakfu:

Peace.  In answer to your question, HIV is not easily transmitted, and a small amount of fluid usually translates to a small risk.  The other factors, however, such as the possible route of transmission (example, blood to blood as in sharing of needles) can make even a small amount of fluid extremely dangerous.  Factors contributing to an exposure becoming an infection also include: duration and area (how long you are exposed to the fluid - a person who is receptive in a sexual act is usually exposed to the fluid for a longer time and over a larger surface area); frequency (how often exposed); concentration of the virus in the fluid (highest at early infection and late in disease), and; presence of sores, breaks in the skin, or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Please go to www.who.org for more information on HIV and other diseases, or to www.unaids.org or www.thebody.com for more specifics on HIV/AIDS.  

The more you know, the better able you are to be responsible in your actions, and please think about being an informed resource for your friends and loved ones.  As difficult as it can be to write in a time of worry and panic, think how nice it would have been to have a friend who was able to give you the same information I provided.

All the best to you too, brother.

Terry