A scratch

I recently tested positive for HIV. A couple days ago I was holding my 1 year-old nephew and he scratched my chin with his fingernail. I didn't think the skin was broken so I didn't think about it. The next morning I noticed some dried blood on my chin. Is there any chance I've put my nephew at any risk?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The chance that you infected your nephew is very small.  Often the blood seen after scratches such as the one I think you have described is a late reaction rather than an acute wound.  You were not bleeding obviously at the time of the scratch so you would not have gotten blood on the child.  Even if you had, intact skin is a GREAT defense against infection and thus there is no reason to worry about infection.

This was not a risky exposure for your nephew but it might be good for him to get his nails clipped.

I hope this is helpful to you.  EWH