Food and HIV

I was at a restaurant.  Post eating, I noticed something red on the side of the plate.  At that point, I forgot to check what it was.  Only later it darned on me.  I am worried if it was blood that got there by the preparing person post preparation of food.  I have an inflammed gum that bleeds at times. I am scared and need to know can HIV (God forbid if that was blood) spread in this manner? Food must have sat on the table for 3-4 mins before I consumned it.  Much thanks.

[Hope242]

no risk for HIV

[RainLover71]

Even if it was blood,hiv is unable to reproduce outside its living host it becomes inactive and therefore unable to infect.Your safe.

[fearfearfear]

Thanks for the responses.  Even if it got in the food though I saw it on the side of the plate post eating.  I assume I should be safe?  Any fear for any otjher type of blood infected diseases? Thanks.

[RainLover71]

Yes you would be safe even if it got into the food and there are no risks of any other blood born viruses.Your safe.

[fearfearfear]

Thanks once again.  OK, one last question. I have read that it can infect through mouth if there are cuts in the mouth or swollen gums.  Given I have a gum that bleed at times, I was worried what if I chewed and swallowed.  However, if this virus can't survive in open (I assume even for seconds - right?), then still I should be safe - correct?  Thanks!!

[RainLover71]

Correct,because hiv becomes inactive instantly once exposed to the air,this is why you had no exposure another reason is that hiv transmission takes place inside the body not outside.

[fearfearfear]

Thanks.  I assume "body to body" or "blood to blood" is what you meant when you say "inside the body and not outside"?  So even though one may have an exposed wound in the mouth and came in contact with the blood that has been exposed to environment prior to entering the mouth pose no risk.  Is my understanding correct?  Sorry for my ignorance on this topic and asking over and over.

[RainLover71]

Unprotected penetrative vaginal or anal sex,shared iv drug works,mother to baby-thats how hiv is transmitted,and yes your understanding is correct now.