Can HIV Be Contracted Through Kissing?

Posted on Mon, 2 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Feb 2015 Answered on

Mon, 2 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi...48 hours back, i visited a massage parlour where i kissed the massuesse. It wasnt a very deep kiss but there were exchange of saliva. I have bleeding when i brush my teeth at times. I am concerned if i am exposed to any hiv virus. I dont know if she had bad gums or sores in her mouth, neither did i see any blood while kissing(not sure if there was atleast i didn notice). The same night when i brushed my teeth, i had a minor bleeding. I am scared to death regarding this incident. Please help me doctor. Do i need a PEP?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Modi (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If suspecting she was positive, than take PEP otherwise no need to worry...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
One bucket of saliva needed to become HIV positive by positive partner.
If you are knowing the status of that lady and she was negative than no need to worry.
If doubt and you are not knowing and still suspecting than take PEP.
I think, by this simple kissing incidence you need not to worry.
If still worry and doubt, consult your counselor.
Have a healthy life ahead.
Thanks for contacting us.
Don't worry and take care...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Modi (11 minutes later)

i dont know the hiv status of the girl. Have a few questions:-
1) What is the time duration within which PEP should be started?
2) What is the side effects of PEP?
3) What is the success rate of PEP
4) If i dont go for PEP, should i get tested? If yes what is the minimum period for a test and what would be the test called?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Modi (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can take PEP within 72 hours for best results if suspected HIV.........

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
By oral route, exposure rate is very low which is 0.005-0.01%.
Within 2 hours it is the best but you can take up to 72 hours.
It should be taken for 28 days.
Success rate is very high and side effects are very low.
3 drug regimen is best.
zidovudine 600mg+stavudine 60mg+lamivudine 300mg
HIV test will become sensitive after 3 months.
It is ELISA test.
Don't worry and consult your counselor for more help.
Take care...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Modi (6 minutes later)

Hi Doctor,

Assuming the girl had hiv, and with a 2-3 min kiss, where a small quantity of saliva was exchanged, and i not noticed any blood during the kiss(i have bleeding while brushing at times but dont have any major gum disease).

Do you recommend PEP?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Modi (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I will not give in this case.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
If patient had needle injury in hospital, i will definitely give PEP.
But in your case risk is very very low.
You only need some counseling otherwise no PEP needed.
Don't worry and take care.
Have healthy life ahead...

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T