Can one get HIV from flu of an HIV POSITIVE person? I ran into an old friend, he blew his nose as we were exchanging greetings, at that particular time I cared less. But I later got concerned when I learnt he had the HIV virus. after hands shakes and making up I forgot to wash my hand and actually ate with same hand that I use in shaking him after he blew his nose. This was just a minute or two after the incident.