HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Is HIV Infection Transmitted?

default
Posted on Fri, 18 Aug 2017
Question: I just had a chance meeting with a homeless individual. I didnt know he was homeless and shook his hand. Moments later i used the same hand to smoke a cigarette. I am concerned that i could have introduced some germs or disease from him into my mouth. Is this a real concern? I certainly didnt see him bleeding and see no cuts on my hand, but dont know if i could have some cuts in my mouth. He did look like a possible drug user but i thought nothing of it initially until he told me he was homeless and began asking for money.
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not a concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You seem to be more anxious than you should be.
Every healthy person would have self defense and that is extremely good in fighting 90% of the germs or microbes. Doctors believe this works for all except for severely immune-compromised like HIV pts, people on certain high dose medications.

So you got to believe in your defense and move on.
Second most microbes that live on the skin and hands are not virulent to cause a disease. Even a person with average working immunity would be able to fight it better.

Third, this can be a lesson to avoid shaking hands with strangers instead greet with a smile. If you have to use hands wash hands before you use them with your mouth.

Hope this is helpful.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (24 minutes later)
Is transmission of an std even possible without hos blood entering my bloodstream? Thanks. I will heed the advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely STD transmits

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

There is no sexual exposure for the std (sexually transmitted disease) to transmit. So remove the fear.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Is HIV Infection Transmitted?

Brief Answer: Not a concern Detailed Answer: Hi, You seem to be more anxious than you should be. Every healthy person would have self defense and that is extremely good in fighting 90% of the germs or microbes. Doctors believe this works for all except for severely immune-compromised like HIV pts, people on certain high dose medications. So you got to believe in your defense and move on. Second most microbes that live on the skin and hands are not virulent to cause a disease. Even a person with average working immunity would be able to fight it better. Third, this can be a lesson to avoid shaking hands with strangers instead greet with a smile. If you have to use hands wash hands before you use them with your mouth. Hope this is helpful.