Sweat and HIV

[lookingforanswers910]

Hi Doctor. I have this question related to HIV and sweat. Does sweat contain HIV or tiny particles of it like the saliva or tears? I ask this because I find mixing information over the internet and is very confusing because on some sites it's said that sweat does not contain HIV at all, while in others say that it contains it but just in little particles and that can't infect anyone by sweat. But my doubt is if the sweat has it, and if it has it, could someone be infected with HIV by sweat? The thing with me is that in the job that I am I have to carry some heavy stuff and sometimes I have little cuts on my fingers that bleed a little bit sometimes and when I go to the gym and shake hands with some fellas there, almost all of them are covered by sweat and yesterdat I felt the sweat of one of them in my cut because it hurt a little bit. Thanks for your help. I want to know if I should go to test or just leave this worry and go on with my life.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help. EWH

[lookingforanswers910]

Oh, ok. Thank you very much Doctor. I feel more relieved now. Thanks for your help with my doubt.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

This sentence means that HIV has NEVER been transmitted by sweat and if it had occurred in the past we would know it. EWH

[lookingforanswers910]

I'm sorry doctor. I got lost with the meaning of the last sentence. My english is not very good. What did you mean with this "and there have certainly been many circumstances in which this might have occurred if it were possible." Thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I do not know if HIV is present in the sweat of infected persons.  My guess is that with the right tests there may be tiny amounts which can be found.  Having said that however, I can tell you with complete confidence that NO ONE has EVER gotten HIV from exposure to sweat- never, not ever and there have certainly been many circumstances in which this might have occurred if it were possible.  I would not worry at all. EWH