Scratches

Hi Dr,

I'm still hanging out with my dear friend who happens to be HIV +.  This time my concern is that we were installing an air conditioner together and by the end of the task we both had some scratches on our arms.  I imagine this happened while taking the A.C out of its box or while carrying and securing it on the window.  I'm afraid that I may have gotten scratched with the same object of its parts right after he did, if so should I be concerned.  

That day he also took a shower in my house, I'm afraid the blood from his scratches my have lingered in the tub or something. Considering the scratches what it his towel touched my towel.  

And lastly using the same toothbrush is not recommended ( which is something I would not do anyway with anybody + or -) but what about when putting toothpaste on the toothbrush, I find the tip of the cap usually touches the toothbrushes.  Should this be a concern?

We are considering being roommates, given my paranoia I don't think we should.  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This is the fourth time you have asked a variation on the same question, in relation to the same friend who is HIV positive.  The replies are the same.  But it is clear you are having trouble accepting the minimal HIV risk associated with sharing a life, or living in the same household, of someone with HIV.  In fact there is no risk, but given your fears, I agree you probably should not agree to be his roommate.  If you continue to consider it, you should first seek professional in-person counseling with someone who understands both the HIV risks and psychological issues you are facing.

Only a limited number of new questions can be accepted, and to leave room for people with new questions, MedHelp permits no more than 2 questions every 6 months on the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions). This is your fourth since April, and the normal policy is to simply delete such questions without responding.  This definitely is the last one that you may post until next January at the earliest.

HHH, MD