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Transmission of HIV

Submitted by Helpline Volunteer on Wed, 2008-09-03 17:35

Ask a question about the transmission of HIV by posting a new comment at the bottom of the page.  These comments are moderated so they will not appear until someone from the Helpline has had a chance to review the posting. You should see your comment posted & a response within 24 hours.

You can also see  HIV In-depth and FAQs.

 

 

Oral Sex Transmission Question

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2010-09-01 18:23.

Hello,

I had oral sex with another male 4 days ago and I am concerned that I may have contracted HIV. I had his penis in my mouth for only about a minute or so and I didn't taste any pre cum. He ended up ejaculating on his chest and I am sure that none of it got near my mouth.

I brushed my teeth about two hours before this encounter and i am concerned that this might put me at risk.

Four days later, I now have a sore throat, had a fever that lasted an evening and generally feel low energy.

I recently got tested (last week) and I was clear for all STI's including HIV.

Can you please advise me as to whether or not I should get a rapid HIV test?

Response to Oral Sex Transmission Question

Submitted by Heidi on Wed, 2010-09-01 19:14.

Hello there,

Thanks for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

Firstly I would like to let you know that there is no reliable data that suggests that Oral sex is an effective route for transmission of HIV.

We feel that regular testing for HIV/STI's is part of a good sexual health regime. So if you haven't been tested lately, it's a good idea. Here is a link to a list of testing sites in Vancouver & the Lower Mainland:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/info/testing/testsites

Since I'm not clear on your time lines, I'll give you some general guidelines where window periods are concerned:

10-12 days after exposure, an "Early" test can be done. This test is called a Pooled RNA NAAT. This looks for the virus itself in the blood, versus the antibodies that develop in the body in response to an HIV infection. This test is good for Prevention mostly because if someone tests positive then we hope that the preliminary Positive result will curb their sexual activities until a follow up test is done to confirm the Positive status. So hopefully they won't be out there possibly exposing others to the virus.

This Early test always needs to be followed up with an antibody test though (Rapid or otherwise). If at 12 weeks, there is still a negative result with an antibody test, then the person is considered to be conclusively negative.

Although, an antibody test can be taken between 4-6 weeks and there is a 95% chance that any HIV infection would be detected.

It really depends on the persons comfort level. Sometimes, the only way a person will calm down is to receive the negative results. Sometimes not even then. That is when we suggest the professional help of a therapist.

Lastly, I will say again lastly: what you have described is not a risk experience. You probably have a cold. I hope this helps but please let us know if we can provide any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

transmission question

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2010-07-23 16:14.

Hello, I had sex with another male about 6 weeks ago. I was the active partner in anal sex with a condom and the receptive partner for anal sex with a condom. The condoms were fine. I was also the recipient of oral sex (no condom) and gave oral sex briefly (no condom--no cum in mouth though but who knows about pre-cum). As far as I know, my gums are fine, I did not eat or brush my teeth beforehand although I did have a mint that I sucked on beforehand. Question: do I need an HIV test? I ask because I now have a sore throat, dry cough and sneeze a bit.

Response to Transmission question

Submitted by Heidi on Mon, 2010-07-26 21:40.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver online as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

You have described a low risk situation but sometimes anxiety creeps in and creates havoc. What is true is that saliva actually has enzymes in it that break HIV down. When people experience symptoms, it is usually a really strong flu like illness that comes on in the first few weeks. Having said that, symptoms can also take up to ten years to manifest. In any case, symptoms are not a good indicator given that they can also be explained by other things.

The decision to test has to be your own. I feel like periodic testing is one piece in a good sexual health regime, for anyone that is sexually active.

Would I worry if I were you? No. I would definitely test though if I had high anxiety about an experience. Sometimes that is the only thing that will alleviate the stress.

85-90% of infections are detectable within 6 weeks so if you do decide to test, then you will have a fairly conclusive result established. Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666
helpline@aidsvancouver.org

What is the risk under these circumstances of getting HIV?

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2010-07-03 12:39.

I am a gay circumcised male and 3 months ago had non-penetrative sex with another gay man, whose HIV status I do not know. I therefore will assume he was HIV+. While we were mutually masturbating, he ejaculated and as his penis was directly above mine, his semen fell on to the top of my erect penis which has quite a large urethral opening. About a minute or two later I too ejaculated. Being a biochemist and knowledgeable about transmission routes I am aware that HIV virus can get into the body through the mucosal membrane in the urethra (because I know this is how a "top" male would get infected by having condom-less anal penetrative sex with an HIV+ "bottom" male) (but I don't know how far down the urethra his semen would need to go to pose a risk). As soon as I had ejaculated I went into the bathroom and rinsed off the semen (the remainder of his and mine) with water and then washed the tip of my penis with soap so that it stung a bit. I am naturally very worried in case I may have got infected, assuming the guy was HIV+. Can anyone tell me my risk level? Thank you.

Response to What is the risk under these circumstances

Submitted by Heidi on Mon, 2010-07-05 22:52.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver online as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

The level of risk can at times, depend on many factors. In this case, your urethral tube would need to be literally soaked in sperm so the risk is almost nonexistent. Also assuming it had been soaked in sperm for awhile, it might be more or less likely depending on the viral load in the positive person’s sperm (assuming they are positive).

In theory it is a possible mode of transmission but it is so unlikely that you’d be hard pressed to find anyone listing that activity on their risk scale.

Speaking of risk scales, the Health Initiative for Men has a new online tool called “do the math” that gauges risk and gives other information regarding risk factors. Check it out at: www.checkhimout.ca

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666
helpline@aidsvancouver.org

rimming and finger f**king

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2010-06-22 13:27.

Hello, I was recently rimmed and then finger f**k*d. Lubricant was used but saliva was also present because of the rimming. A few minutes later, I was f**k*d WITH a condom and lubricant. Any danger here? Thanks.

Response to Rimming and Finger F**king

Submitted by Heidi on Tue, 2010-06-22 17:41.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver online as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

Saliva does not transmit the HIV virus. Please have a look at our website and the section that gives information about the Transmission Equation:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/hivtransmissionequation

These are the kinds of fluids that contain the virus and the activities that transmit the virus. It is always good to be in the know so I’m glad that you asked! But what you have described has not put you at risk.

By the way; did you know that it’s a good idea to switch up your condom after 30 minutes of rough or let’s say vigorous sex? It’s true :0)

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666
helpline@aidsvancouver.org

Any reason to worry?

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2010-06-08 17:23.

I am a gay male and I had an anonymous encounter with another gay male.

I went down on him and he came (not in my mouth). My mouth was free of any bleeding or sensitivity (I checked before). After the guy came on my hand I wiped my hands quickly and then used sanitizer right away. After 5 minutes, when my hands were dry (no washing) I masturbated. After coming realized that I had a tiny, tiny (size of a sesame seed) cut on my penis.
Any reason to worry?

Response to any reason to worry

Submitted by Heidi on Tue, 2010-06-08 17:28.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver online as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

Just a quick admin note; if you wish to see your question online please post a comment online, rather than emailing and asking to have it posted to the forum. Now on to your question…

The short answer to your question is no. Please have a look at our website and the section that gives information about the Transmission Equation:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/hivtransmissionequation

These are the kinds of activities that transmit the virus. It is always good to be in the know and to be practicing safer sex. But what you have described has not put you at risk.

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666
helpline@aidsvancouver.org

Nice job, Blowjob

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2010-06-03 09:55.

I was very interested in experiencing a blow job, so I was with a woman that I think was a sex worker. We had french kisses (which I found out she had some scars in her mouth the next morning) and she did me a nice blow job on the bus. So I am having a phobia if there is any chance that I am a HIV+ ! Please help me.

*edited for clarity and cultural sensitivity

Response to Nice job, Blow job

Submitted by Heidi on Fri, 2010-06-04 17:39.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver Helpline online as your source for HIV/AIDS related information!

I would just like to mention that these posts are reviewed and edited for grammar, spelling & clarity. Also any language that might be offensive will be reworded to be culturally sensitive. The purpose of these edits/re framing is to keep this a safe space for everyone to use. Now with that said on to your comment....

Receiving oral sex without a barrier is considered negligible risk; in theory it could happen. In reality, it doesn't happen. Please have a look at what is referred to as the transmission equation:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/hivtransmissionequation

The activities listed here are the ones to be concerned about.

Also, you'll notice that under the body fluids, saliva (without blood mixed in it) does not carry HIV.

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666
helpline@aidsvancouver.org

rubbing against eachother

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2010-05-31 15:34.

Hi,
The day before yesterday I had a love making with a friend of mine; no french kisses or no intercourse! I just rubbed my penis against her vagina when she had her jeans on and me my underwear on!(she said she is wet. But we stopped after couple of minutes because of some reasons.) I rubbed her breasts and kissed them! I don't know if she was HIV+ or not although I know her for four years! But if she was HIV+ anyway, is there any risk of transmission?

*edited for grammar*

Response to rubbing against eachother

Submitted by Heidi on Tue, 2010-06-01 18:18.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver online as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

The short answer to your question is no.

Please have a look at our website and the section that gives information about the Transmission Equation:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/hivtransmissionequation

These are the kinds of activities that transmit the virus

The following do not transmit the HIV virus:

* Saliva and tears (that are not mixed with blood)
* Urine (that is not mixed with blood)
* Utensils
* Towels
* Toilet seats
* Casual contact like kissing, hugging, and touching
* Caring for someone living with HIV/AIDS

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

HIV in Liquid

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2010-05-21 23:49.

Can you tell me what, if any, risk exists if someone bled into your drink and you didn't notice until after you had already drank half the drink (about 10 minutes later). I read that HIV does not live outside the body when exposed to air but what if the blood is in liquid (in this case a coffee)

Thank you

Response to HIV in Liquid

Submitted by Heidi on Sat, 2010-05-22 00:27.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver helpline online, as your source for HIV related information.

Please correct me if I am wrong but this sounds like a hypothetical situation that you are asking about rather than an experience (not that it matters).

I would like to direct you to the section of our website that outlines what is referred to as the Transmission equation (these are the activities that carry risk of an infection):
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/hivtransmissionequation

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Helpline direct: 604.696.4666

Fresh semen making contact with small incision

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2010-05-21 05:59.

Hi,

I would like to know what the risk is of contracting HIV by someone who masturbates and ejaculates by accident on another person's 2 day old, very small (approx 1 cm), non bleeding, cuticle incision? The person who ejaculated claims he is HIV negative but I do not know this for a fact. Should I be concerned and go get tested?

Response to fresh semen making contact

Submitted by Heidi on Fri, 2010-05-21 18:03.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver helpline online, as your source for HIV related information.

I would like to direct you to the section of our website that outlines what is referred to as the Transmission equation:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/hivtransmissionequation

This lists the activities that are associated with new infections. What you are describing is in theory a possible mode of transmission (because semen carries the virus) but it never happens. I personally would not be concerned about testing, based on what you describe.

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Helpline direct: 604.696.4666

Pene contro pene

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2010-05-05 06:47.

Volevo sapere se lo sfregamento di due peni è a rischio hiv, e se liquido pre - eiaculatorio sulla cappella è a rischio?

Response to pene contro pene (Penis to Penis)

Submitted by Heidi on Wed, 2010-05-05 10:16.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS information.

What I believe that you are asking is:
If rubbing two penises together and ejaculating on the head poses a risk?

Here is a link to the section of our website that outlines what we refer to as the transmission equation:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/hivtransmissionequation

Semen is one of the body fluids that contains high levels of HIV. The urethra in the penis provides direct access for the virus to get into the blood stream. Although this type of risk falls under the category of theoretical risk because in theory it is a possible mode of transmission but it is not likely. Most new infections of HIV are through unprotected sex, sharing needles or mother to child.

I'm sorry that I could not answer this in Italian, but here is a link to Italian AIDS Service Organizations (from thebody.com):
http://www.thebody.com/index/hotlines/internat.html#italian

Please let us know if we can provide any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline

Help line direct: 604.696.4666

Slight Contact with Blood.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2010-04-21 20:24.

A couple weeks back, I came into contact with blood, of unknown contamination. I was helping a woman who had a syncope episode, and she cut the back of her head. I did not see the cut, and as I was lifting her up, her blood smeared along my arm and hand. I washed it off within a minute or two of contact, and to the best of my knowledge it did not flow directly into any cut.
However, I frequently gnaw at my nails, and tend to have skin tears in that area. Is it possible that as I washed my hands, I washed some blood through the small tears around my cuticles?

Thank you in advance.

Response to slight contact with blood

Submitted by Heidi on Mon, 2010-04-26 16:24.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS information.

This type of scenario falls under what is considered theoretical risk. Because in theory it is a mode of transmission but it isn't likely at all that HIV will transmit in this way.

It is possible that you washed some blood through small cuts on your cuticles but still, it's not at all likely that you could've contracted HIV this way.

You would need to assume that the blood had HIV in it and then there would need to be significant and direct exposure. It is always good however to follow universal precautions. If at all possible, wearing gloves in a circumstance like this is a good thing. I realize that this is not always possible though.

Here is a link to our website that lists the most common modes of transmission:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/hivtransmissionequation

Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.

Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline

Help line direct: 604.696.4666

at risk at the doctor

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2009-12-07 08:27.

please could you help me with this special situation i was in and am afraid of?

can hiv be transmitted if i was examined at the gynecologist and the blanket on the gyn.chair wasnt changed for new? (some other woman/women examined before me on the same bed?)
i am sure it wasnt but had my mind full of other things that time until it was too late to ask for new...
i suppose there were some bodily fluids for sure as it can be during these kinds of examinations..., i dont have any big wounds of course, but did touch with my naked skin with some smaill abrasions from shaving and vagina mucosa..etc. thank you!!!

Response to at risk at the doctor

Submitted by Heidi on Mon, 2009-12-07 15:25.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.

If you read through this forum, you will see several posts related to this type of situation (although not the same exact experience, the answer is still the same).
For now, I will direct you to the area of our website that outlines what is known as the Transmission equation (the criteria necessary for HIV transmission):
Knowledge is power!
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

hiv risk/nonsexual/contact with blood

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2009-10-24 16:26.
Dear doctor. I have read so many posts here, but I am not sure with answer on this question.
 
I was in small club with my husband; in the full light they put on after concert I saw blood on the dance floor. The amount of it was as if somebody was bleeding from their nose badly... I just stared, while my husband was standing on it, our dog stood in it, then my husband bent down to stroke the dog, while his jacket was on the floor (as he had it wrapped around his belly)... I nearly dropped out... I could imagine in a moment the blood was on his jacket, on the dog, on his hand,... he knows I hate blood, and I immediately told him, he is standing in blood, but he just told me it doesn’t matter... without checking anything...
I really hope he did not have any fresh wounds, but I am not sure... as every hard-working man he has various cuts, abrasions, wounds etc. and he is used with dirty hands - to touch his eyes, scratch the skin, so at any time he scratches some of his cuts etc... And doesn’t care about any "risks"... I hope you understand what I mean.
 
But, I am so scared, I really don’t know. The stains were fresh, or at least, they were not completely dry, I know it because, I was staring at them so long. Some few minutes before, strange people were dancing there, and we were dressed in black, so I just couldn’t check if there are any stains on clothes... nothing to calm me down...
Please, help me, I am really scared, I need to read somebody who does not think I am stupid and that this is only made-up situation. I would like to know if there is risk of getting HIV (not for me, for my husband).
No I don’t have HIV anxiety, I just hate blood and this is too much for me to cope with. Please please help me. I don’t have anybody else.  
 
(Edited for clarity)

Reply

Submitted by Heidi on Mon, 2009-11-02 17:06.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information. 

Firstly, this is a good opportunity to remind readers that those of us who respond to forum posts are not medical professionals. But if we don’t know the answer, we are always happy to find it in a timely manner.
 
Secondly, there are in fact several posts under this section that relate to your query and the fact that the HIV virus does not live outside of the body for more than a few minutes.
 
In order for this blood to infect your husband:
a) It would need to be infected with HIV. And assuming it was;
b) Your husbands cut would need to come into contact with a lot of it, within minutes of the blood being exposed to air.
 
The last thing that I will mention is that the HIV virus does not discriminate and infects those from all walks of life. Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
 
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

oral health and hiv transmission

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2009-10-21 10:09.
Please, I would like to know if there is any reported case of getting HIV when somebody has problems with oral health.
 
I mean I often have serious problems with aphtae in my mouth - on tongue usually - and with bleeding gums... Sometimes I am afraid to eat at the restaurant because of that (thinking of contaminated food or cutlery). Yes, I usually clean the cutlery with the napkin, but what about the food? You can’t check all the time what does it look like. I don’t know what is more stupid, if to check it and eat out or rather not eat out.
 
The only thing that calms me down is, there are probably many people with some aphtae, who don’t care about this at all. But, I would like to know, just to calm myself down.
 
Is this kind of transmission possible? Thank you very much for your help and sorry for bothering you with this maybe stupid question.  
 
  

HIV does NOT survive outside of the body

Submitted by Heidi on Fri, 2009-10-23 13:29.

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information. First off, I would like to say that there are no stupid questions, especially when it comes to knowing the facts about HIV/AIDS. We can all be a part of the solution, just by being informed.

 
Now, I would like to direct you to the section of the AIDS Vancouver website that has the transmission equation (which helps to illustrate what three things are required to potentially transmit HIV):
 
 
The other thing that you should know is that HIV needs a cell host to survive. So it can’t survive outside of the body for very long (only a few minutes in open air). 
 
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
 
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
 
Help line direct: 604.696.4666

risk for my child

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2009-10-18 15:08.
Please, last weeks I have this problem. My son’s teeth are growing and bleed quite often. He is quite small, only three years old, and keeps eating things from the ground or touching them and then puts his hands in his mouth...
 
I am just not able to watch over all the time... so I am afraid, as you know; environment in a big town is full of strange things on the ground...
 
Is there a risk of transmission? Thank you very much for your answer, I hope it will calm me down definitely...

(edited for clarity)

Watch out for needles

Submitted by Heidi on Mon, 2009-10-19 14:03.

 

Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.
 
I imagine that if I was a mother, I would worry about my young child coming across harmful things on the ground as well.
 
What I gather from your message is that you are concerned about him putting something in his mouth that perhaps has HIV infected blood or other fluids on it. What you should know is that the HIV virus needs a cell host to survive. So it can’t live out in the “open air” for more than a few minutes.
 
Note that I said “open air”. I mention this because the thing to watch out for is used needles on the ground. I don’t mean to alarm you but HIV can be transmitted by getting stuck with a used needle that has contaminated blood in it. Because the blood is somewhat sheltered by the barrel of the needle, it can survive outside of the body for longer.
 
Because this is a forum, I’ll say to anyone reading: if you or your child gets stuck by a used needle, please get to the nearest hospital (through Emergency) as soon as possible.
 
For your information, here is a link regarding the transmission of HIV:
 
Please let us know if we can direct you to any further information.
 
Wishing you (and yours) good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604.696.4666

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