I recently sent this email to a leading HIV charity in uk who work to PREVENT hiv so they cannot take any chances,
my hiv positive friend unexpectedly kissed me i didn't taste any blood and it was a one second peck but i think my mouth may have been open alittle our inner lips may have made contact.
1. If we both had open sores am i at risk?
2. I took a rapid test 9 weeks from this do i need to test again?
3. can i have unprotected sex with my neg bf?
4. would it have to be very deep cuts, a long kiss or a lot of blood in order for it to be transmitted?
ANSWER
You say that your HIV positive friend unexpectedly kissed you and although you didn’t taste any blood and it was only a one second peck, you think your mouth may have been open and your inner lips may have made contact.
You ask four specific questions.
You have not been put at risk of HIV as it cannot be passed through kissing as HIV is not present in saliva.
To answer your questions in turn.
1. If you both had open sores this would not present a risk of HIV transmission as a large amount of fresh infectious material would need to get into a deep open wound to represent a real risk.
2. You say that you had a rapid test at 9 weeks – you did not need to take this test as you have not been put at risk. Therefore there would be no need for subsequent testing.
3. Yes you can have unprotected sex with your boyfriend as you have not been put at risk by this incident with your friend.
4. Yes – see the answer to your first question.
It sounds like your knowledge around HIV is somewhat lacking. You can find information about how HIV is transmitted by following this link: