Aa
Casual contact, please read before you stone me!
Ok, I understand that HIV cannot be spread via 'casual contact'. But what about a small amount of blood in a mucous membrane?
It goes like this, I was helping a customer at work and excused myself. I applied vagicaine to my irritated vaginal area (which was a bit open from itching). I washed my hands after but not before applying the cream. When I returned to check on her I noticed she had a drop of blood on her arm from opening a scab and I got scared that I could have put her blood on my sensitive, possibly open area. Not a lot of time had passed since I helped her until I applied the cream. My trusted friends told me this was not a risk, that HIV is not that easy to transmit. Especially since I don't know for sure I even got blood on me.
Does HIV transmission ever really occur like this? Or is this still considered casual contact? I know it sounds stupid, I just got a little paranoid. Is it really as simple as everyone says; use condoms for sex, choose your sex partners wisely, and don't share IV equipment? Other than that don't worry.
If anyone wouldn't mind taking the time to respond, I would appreciate it. I know it sounds silly, but when faced with the scenario it seems scary to me.
Thanks...
It goes like this, I was helping a customer at work and excused myself. I applied vagicaine to my irritated vaginal area (which was a bit open from itching). I washed my hands after but not before applying the cream. When I returned to check on her I noticed she had a drop of blood on her arm from opening a scab and I got scared that I could have put her blood on my sensitive, possibly open area. Not a lot of time had passed since I helped her until I applied the cream. My trusted friends told me this was not a risk, that HIV is not that easy to transmit. Especially since I don't know for sure I even got blood on me.
Does HIV transmission ever really occur like this? Or is this still considered casual contact? I know it sounds stupid, I just got a little paranoid. Is it really as simple as everyone says; use condoms for sex, choose your sex partners wisely, and don't share IV equipment? Other than that don't worry.
If anyone wouldn't mind taking the time to respond, I would appreciate it. I know it sounds silly, but when faced with the scenario it seems scary to me.
Thanks...
I am! I am seeing a counselor, taking meds, I exercise regularly, and have cut out caffeine, most sugars and most alcohol. I am trying as hard as I can but sometimes I still need reassurance. This is a long and extremely rough road. Sometimes I still get scared.
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You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
