Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.
Swallowing HIV infected materials carries little risk of infection. For example, among babies nursed by infected mothers, whose milk contains HIV, only about 15% become infected after 6 months of daily swallowing several ounces. While blood might be higher risk than breast milk, the actual risk is very, very low and probably zero, especially given the small amount (a drop or two).
Second, what makes you think your friend might have HIV? If she isn't at obvious high risk (injection drug user, commercial sex worker, etc) then almost certainly she doesn't have it. Either way, I suggest you ask her! Even if she is HIV-positive, I would still see no need for you to be tested; but if negative, you should find the information reassuring.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Thanks for your response. I did talk to my friend and while she's not a drug user and not a sex worker, she only tried to reassure me that she wasn't bleeding at that point based on the fact there was no blood on the white plates she served to immediately after (she never said she was negative). In an attempt to not be the "crazy friend", I dropped it with her. Can I just let this one go, say there's no risk, and exhale? If I were your family member, would that be your advice?
"Can I just let this one go, say there's no risk, and exhale?"
Yup.
"If I were your family member, would that be your advice?"
Yup. Same if it were me personally.
Dr.,
Last comment... would the presence of a canker sore change this advice? I do have one on the side and top of my mouth. Thanks for your patience.. I'm having trouble letting this one go...
"I'm having trouble letting this one go..."
Obviously.
"would the presence of a canker sore change this advice?"
No.
That's all for this thread. I'll have no further comments or advice.