Exposure or OCD?

[S2K1980]

I wrote this same thing in the forum, but also wanted your advice too.

I was raised in a Christian family that instilled in me that HIV/AIDS is something gays get and because of their sin in being gay. I happen to believe it's a crock of horse poop!! Yet what they did do successfully is give me these thoughts that hinder me.

I was sitting in class diagonal from this gay man. About 2 feet away from me (diagonal) He was about 21 years old or so. He had really back acne on his face and when he walked into class he was sweating really bad, I suppose because our class is on the 4th floor. Anyways, he pulled out a tissue from his pocket and started wiping his face dry. I then noticed 2 pimples on his face that were bleeding. I'm so worried now if blood could have flown in my eye from the closeness that we were siting?? And I also have a cut on my bottom lip from where I peeled off the skin. It did bleed a few hours before this incident (12 hours or so). And of course the thoughts that he's gay comes into my head and worry that he may have HIV.

Just as a note, I hate that I feel this way at times. I hate that my parents essentially did this to me. I just want to know if this fear is irrational or a serious cause to worry.

HERE'S MY QUESTION:  So if he had HIV/AIDS and he wiped his face with the blood coming out from the pimples, is it possible it got into my eyes? Or if it was mixed with sweat? Remember, I was about 2 feet away from him. I kept staring at the blood on his face, like a million times! Is this a risk too? Just looking at it, maybe it could have entered my eyes!! *I also had a cut on my lip from peeling the skin off my bottom lip that bled a few hours before this (12 hrs or so), does this pose a risk as well?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated! I know this is my last question since I think it's only 2 question in 2 months or something right?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I guess it’s my turn.  You seem to be asking the same question, or variants on it again and again, both on the HIV Prevention Community site, of Dr. Handsfield on the HIV Prevention Expert Forum two days ago and again today.  One thing I can promise you about this site is that asking the same question again and again will not change the answer.  Dr. Handsfield answered your questions about the clinic. that you have now moved your question from the clinic to the classroom does not change the answer, nor does the more elaborate explanation which Dr. Handsfield provided you with a link to on his original answer.  

So, the specific answer to your question is emphatically, NO!!!!!!!!.  Your OCD driven paranoia is causing you to question the fact that HIV is transmitted by sex or injection, not through the air, not on toilet seats and not across a classroom where a person might have HIV (but probably doesn't).  Teak suggested you seek help for your OCD, I second that suggestion.  

You are not at risk for HIV.  You are at risk for having your OCD cause you a lot of unnecessary anxiety.  EWH

and p.s.  You are correct, two questions per client in any six month period.  No further questions please. EWH

[S2K1980]

Teak and yourself are completely right on. I need professional help to conquer my OCD. I can't continue to blame my parents for these fears, I am an adult and have to do something about it. I can't live my life in fear and ignorance. Thank you doctor. I really do apprecaite it. No more questions from me.