HIV Question

[sunny222777]

Hello Doctors, I understand from previous threads that HSV-1 doesn't increase HIV risk, but I learned that HSV-2 can cause cold sores on the face. Would that increase risk of getting HIV in the environment? I understood that it would not increase risk as I read a thread which said genital herpes would not increase risk of picking up HIV from secretions on a toilet seat.

I am now on medication for anxiety, but I have a fear of stepping on needles in the environment,however I read on these threads that even in a needle HIV wouldn't live long? Would that mean that in a number of hours HIV would die in a needle?

I also have crazy fears about situations where blood could get forced into a cut, like if I'm used a shared computer keyboard or if I practice on a piano or guitar another person has used (sometimes the guitar strings can get frayed and may cause a little cut)

Thanks Doctor, your forum has helped me a lot

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I'll try to provide some information but my sense is that what will help you most is continuing to work with a trained mental health professional to address your profound anxiety issues.  Medications are sometimes helpful but talking things through with a trained counselor is still more helpful.

Your fears about acquiring HIV from the environment are unwarranted and rather extreme examples of unreasonable fears. HSV almost never causes cold sores and even if one were present, there would still be no risk whatsoever for getting HIV from the environment- it just does not happen.  HIV is a relatively rare infection and is not easily spread from person to person.  It is transmitted in adults ONLY through penetrative genital or ano-genital sexual intercourse or introduction of infected material deeply into tissue.  Surface and environmental contamination do not lead to transmission of infection.  Nor does exposure to environmental contamination when you touch a doorknob or computer keyboard after a person who has HIV.

Please talk your fears through with a trained mental health professional, for your own good.  EWH

[sunny222777]

Thanks so much!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Somehow I new you would have folow questions.  My responses will be limited and cannot take the place of the counsleing you need.

1.  Yes I was answeringyour question and therefore was referring to HSV-2.
2.  Yes.

EWH

[sunny222777]

In point 1 I meant  HSV2 coldsore!

[sunny222777]

Thanks Doctor for your help I am on a waiting list for counselling. These are my final points.
1. Can I just clarify you meant 'HSV-2' in this section? :
'HSV almost never causes cold sores and even if one were present, there would still be no risk whatsoever for getting HIV from the environment- it just does not happen. '
2. Do these things generally apply to blood borne infections?

Thanks Dr, best wishes.