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Risk of HIV?
Hello Doctor,
Couple of weeks ago I kissed a girl and her gums were bleeding and she bled in my mouth. I do not know her and I do not know if she had any disease. I was wondering if im at risk.
Couple of weeks ago I kissed a girl and her gums were bleeding and she bled in my mouth. I do not know her and I do not know if she had any disease. I was wondering if im at risk.
Thank you Doctor.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for a succinct, straightforward question.
Kissing carriess risks for the common cold, influenza, and oral herpes (which is not considered an STD). But kissing has never been known to transmit HIV or any other STD, even when kissing involves exposure to blood. Saliva inactivates the virus, providing a protective factor. Also, assuming you are in the US, it is very unlikely your kissing partner has HIV, which remains rare in heterosexual young people in this country.
Therefore, you don't need testing for HIV or any STD and can safely kiss (or have sex with) any other partners you may have.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Kissing carriess risks for the common cold, influenza, and oral herpes (which is not considered an STD). But kissing has never been known to transmit HIV or any other STD, even when kissing involves exposure to blood. Saliva inactivates the virus, providing a protective factor. Also, assuming you are in the US, it is very unlikely your kissing partner has HIV, which remains rare in heterosexual young people in this country.
Therefore, you don't need testing for HIV or any STD and can safely kiss (or have sex with) any other partners you may have.
Regards-- HHH, MD
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