Aa
Spit & Blood
Dear Doc,
Like many people on this site I'm extremely worried about having contracted HIV. I'm contantly ruminating about it since my possible 'HIV incident', sleeping very poorly and losing weight (as I have no appetite). I'm also now taking anti-depressants to try and limiting my obsessive thoughts, which are with me almost 24/7. My scenario is this: I was bear-hugged (both sides of my head) by a gay man who quite openly admits he has HIV. I'm worried that he might have - accidently - spat in my mouth (which I didn't feel) and his saliva may have contained some blood. As far as I know, I have no serious dental/gum problems (and was examined by a dentist recently who didn't mention any). I began having an irritable (slightly sore) throat/slightly dry mouth about 4 weeks after the incident and have had it now for 6 weeks or so. Other than that, I have no other ARS symptoms - fever, aches and pains, swollen glands, sweating, rash, diarreah, fatigue etc. I have had HIV tests before and absolutely hate taking them. What is the risk factor here? Any reassurance you can offer would be much appreciated. Many thanks.
C
Like many people on this site I'm extremely worried about having contracted HIV. I'm contantly ruminating about it since my possible 'HIV incident', sleeping very poorly and losing weight (as I have no appetite). I'm also now taking anti-depressants to try and limiting my obsessive thoughts, which are with me almost 24/7. My scenario is this: I was bear-hugged (both sides of my head) by a gay man who quite openly admits he has HIV. I'm worried that he might have - accidently - spat in my mouth (which I didn't feel) and his saliva may have contained some blood. As far as I know, I have no serious dental/gum problems (and was examined by a dentist recently who didn't mention any). I began having an irritable (slightly sore) throat/slightly dry mouth about 4 weeks after the incident and have had it now for 6 weeks or so. Other than that, I have no other ARS symptoms - fever, aches and pains, swollen glands, sweating, rash, diarreah, fatigue etc. I have had HIV tests before and absolutely hate taking them. What is the risk factor here? Any reassurance you can offer would be much appreciated. Many thanks.
C
Firstly, there is no risk of infection for your incident.
Secondly, you may wish to read up more on HIV. You seems to be terrify by HIV positive person.
Cheers!
Secondly, you may wish to read up more on HIV. You seems to be terrify by HIV positive person.
Cheers!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
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.
