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Can HIV Be Contracted Through Open Mouth Kissing?
Posted on
Wed, 17 Jun 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 17 Jun 2015
Answered on
Wed, 8 Jul 2015
Last reviewed on
Brief Answer:
Rare to nil chances of HIV. Retest at 3 months again.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
You have got HIV PCR test after 12 days after exposure. I would like to tell you that it is not sensitive in such small duration. HIV PCR is recommended only after 6-7 weeks post exposure. Now coming to your case you have not had sex and only kiss as you say. In that case you stand absolutely least chances of transmission. There is no chance of HIV infection by kissing unless you have cuts or infection in your mouth. But looking at your apprehension I suggest that you can take a HIV ELISA test 4 th generation or PCR after 12 weeks which would be conclusive. Practice safe sex in future too.
Take care.
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Rare to nil chances of HIV. Retest at 3 months again.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
You have got HIV PCR test after 12 days after exposure. I would like to tell you that it is not sensitive in such small duration. HIV PCR is recommended only after 6-7 weeks post exposure. Now coming to your case you have not had sex and only kiss as you say. In that case you stand absolutely least chances of transmission. There is no chance of HIV infection by kissing unless you have cuts or infection in your mouth. But looking at your apprehension I suggest that you can take a HIV ELISA test 4 th generation or PCR after 12 weeks which would be conclusive. Practice safe sex in future too.
Take care.
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
I was told by several clinics that 9-11 days was sufficient for the RNA early detection test, and 28 days for the P24 antigen test. Those numbers are not correct?
Brief Answer:
PCR has sensitivity of 99% beyond 6-7 weeks only not earlier.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
As an expert I would like to tell you detection by PCR depends upon viral load. Some people or websites may claim early results. But several random trials and international guidelines suggest that it reaches sensitivity of 99% only after 6-7 weeks. It test is done early there are chances of false negative. So I suggest you to take tests on weeks as advised.
Best of health
PCR has sensitivity of 99% beyond 6-7 weeks only not earlier.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
As an expert I would like to tell you detection by PCR depends upon viral load. Some people or websites may claim early results. But several random trials and international guidelines suggest that it reaches sensitivity of 99% only after 6-7 weeks. It test is done early there are chances of false negative. So I suggest you to take tests on weeks as advised.
Best of health
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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