Irrational fear of HIV

[kmoon1612]

I've been dealing with an irrational fear of HIV for around 10 years. While going through tests for something unrelated, my consultant in a very matter of fact, blasé way asked if I'd ever had a HIV test. This set off an absolute fear in me that I still struggle with. The test was negative and subsequent routine tests during my pregnancies have also been negative. I'm not a drug user and have been in a monogamous marriage for 15 years.

However, I believe I'm now dealing with OCD and some scenarios make me freak out - such as pricking my finger on a locker key at the gym, worrying somebody's spit may have got in my mouth etc etc.

Yesterday, I was out to lunch and noticed there was something red on the inside of my glass - I brushed it away with a spoon and drank my coffee. However, since I got home, I can't stop worrying that it may have been blood. From what I've read, it would seem that the chances of any risk are remote but of course some sites say that there is a small potential.

I'm just beside myself. Can you provide me with any reassurance? I know I need to deal with the OCD thoughts but for now, I just really need somebody to tell me I'm not at any risk.

Coincidentally, I started using a new tooth brush at the start of the week which caused some bleeding to my gums - this is also worrying me that this could somehow be a route for HIV to enter my body.

Thanks

[malbat]

Hi.. There are two absolute benchmark rules that you've got to hold to reassure yourself in these kind of situations.
1) ANY bodily fluids , once outside the host, gets exposed to air, is NOT infectious, thus CANNOT infect you.
2) Your mouth has saliva, the virus, once meets saliva, is rendered useless and CANNOT infect you.

Hope this helps. Be well.

[kmoon1612]

Thank you. I think it helps hearing it from somebody else. I just find it so hard to believe that I'm not at risk - I know the hard and fast ways for it be be transmitted are by sex, sharing needles and from mother to child. But it's the small possibilities that get me - when some sites say there is a small possibility of infection I convince myself I'll be the unlucky one. I know I need to deal with these OCD thoughts but just need reassurance for now. Thanks again

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello.  Here is a link to our OCD forum which you may find helpful.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder-OCD-/show/231

Good luck

[kmoon1612]

Thank you for the link, I know this is something I need to address properly because I know if I don't, I'll be affected for the rest of my life. I think in this instance, I just need reassurance. Any further input would be greatly appreciated - particularly anybody from a medical background