Deep Kissing and blood

[john256]

Hi doc,

1. Does saliva deactivates ALL virus present in blood or some virus could escape and remain infectious?

2. I've read that a LOT of infected blood in contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth would be needed to pose a risk of infection. But what is a LOT? A drop of blood or two?

3. Do you think anyone would notice if that amount of blood came to our mouth or do you think it could happen unnoticeale?

4. Can we be completely sure that deep kissing is zero risk even if blood is present?

Thank you.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the HIV Prevention Forum.  You are engaging in what we call "what if" questions which as a rule have little benefit for those who ask them and are a waste of my time to try to answer.  Your question however does allow me to try to clarify an important point.  As a generalization for both you and other readers, you must realize that we VERY frequently get questions asking if different types of exposures or prevention measures are 100% effective or if EVERY HIV virus dies, etc.  The answer to these sorts of questions is that it is scientifically impossible to be 100% sure of anything with respect to these sorts of questions.  For a variety of complex mathematical reasons far too complex to go into here, all one can do with well conducted scientific studies is estimate probabilities.  By definition, any estimate, cannot be 100% certain.  There are NO cases when HIVV has been spread by kissing, including deep kissing and that is the case irrespective of whether one or both partners have bloody mouths, recent dental work, poor dental hygiene, etc.  

I will continue to tell you and all clients that there is no risk of HIV form deep kissing.  Whether or not you wish to believe this comment, which is based on carefully written and peer reviewed scientific reports is up to you.  If what you "have read" is different and you wish to believe it, so be it.  

I hope this comment is helpful to you.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You have already received explanations on other posts which you choose to discount.  You are now playing "what if games".  I will not do that.  

HIV is inactivated by enzymes in saliva and stomach acid.  It does not pass through oral mucosal surfaces.  I have provided you with an explanation verified by the observations carried out by many studies.  

This ends this thread. further questions of this sort will be deleted without comment. EWH

[john256]

It would be of a great help if you could explain me why deep kissing is not a risk even when blood is present.

It is more easy to put these concerns behind me if i understand why it is no risk. For me that don't have the knowledge that you have it is difficult to understand why blood in contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth is not a risk.

Could you help me on this, please?

Thank you.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You have NO reason to worry.  You need to put these concerns behind you.  EWH

[john256]

I'm not sure if i should relax or remain worried after your answer.

I'm just trying to understand why it is no risk and to relax. I'm not challenging you. Of course i believe you.

To tell you the truth i don't remember tasting blood when i deep kissed. Do you think i would have noticed if it was present?