Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Slap high five with HIV status unknown, any risk?

I slap high five with a person whose HIV status was unknown. We slap our hands hard and then handshake tightly. I found there was a very small chap on my middle finger, close to the right top of my nail. I was worried if the hard slap and the tight handshake will causing any invisible blood to my chap? I've checked my hand carefully , despite of the very small chap, there is no wound/cut or visible blood on my hand. Am I at any risk? Is there any record that people was get infected by a hard high five slap or tight handshake? Thanks in advance!
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you both Chima7 and GuitarRox! Even with some small chap in my hand/finger, or on both me and that person, would the hard high fives/hand shaking increase any risk? Or those kind of small chap, even I could feel some pain when I press on it,  won't reach the blood system so it won't treat as a risk? If high fives and hand shaking is a risky act, then no one will play basketball or football, Am I understanding right? Thanks again!
Helpful - 0
20620809 tn?1504362969
HIV is spread from unprotected vaginal or anal sex or sharing of IV drug needles. Touching hands, high fives and hand shaking will not transmit HIV.  The virus is inactivated in air and is much harder to get than people seem to think.  You did not have any risk at all.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
That is NOT how HIV is spread. If it was that easy, it would be a lot more prevalent. As long as you do not have unprotected anal or vaginal sex and you do not share drug needles with anyone, you will never be infected with HIV in your lifetime.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.