Post for Teak (and others)

[HiThere44]

You seem to be very knowledgeable Teak so I thought I'd ask you (though others are of course free to answer!)  8 months ago, I was on a bus and I was talking to this one guy, then he had told me that I sounded like I had a cold, (I had been coughing so it was in my voice) anyway, we then started talking about tonsils (seems strange I know) and he goes "can I see yours?"  I said fine (I don't really know why!)  so then he put his finger on my tounge, to look down my throat, it was in there for about 5 seconds.  I've been kind of paranoid about this and I've gone over it in my head like forever.  I keep thinking, what if he [purposely] pricked his finger RIGHT before he put it in my mouth?!  I didn't really taste anything, maybe like sweat, from his dirty hands, but I didn't taste blood, but what if the amount of possible blood was so small?  That would explain why I hadn't tasted it.  Deep down, I don't REALLY think this would be a significant risk, but I've been paranoid.  Lets ASSUME that he HAD purposely pricked his finger with SOMETHING before he put it on my tongue?  There would obviously be blood in my mouth.  Would that be a risk?  I've heard that transmission through the mouth like this isn't really a risk and that saliva has HIV 'killing power.'  I've also read post from you Teak many times where there was blood involved in the mouth and you have told others there was no risk, but I FINALLY had to ask in terms of my own situation.  I don't think my paranoia is really necessary, do you?  Also, can ARS symptoms show up after 8 months?  Thank you.

[HiThere44]

Please JUST ANSWER THE RISK FACTOR OF BLOOD-TO-TONGUE EXPOSURE!!!!

[jeezo678]

Paranoia is worse than hypochondria.

[HiThere44]

Thank you siteheld...  So, EVEN if he had just at that very moment cut his finger and put it in my mouth, I'd still have no risk?  ANY amount of saliva kills the virus?

[siteheld]

You are not at risk at all. Even if he had blood on his hand then then the saliva in your mouth has properties to make the virus inactive. Hiv in open air doesn't live long.if your mouth was open then there was open air there.
If you have have anxiety problems no matter what we say here it won't help to ease your mind.
You need to talk to a counselor. I did it helped.

[HiThere44]

Like I said, I KNOW it sounds crazy!!  But, could you just tell me the risk (or no risk) if he did IN FACT put a small amount of blood in my mouth...  People HAVE asked weirder questions...

[zole]

I guess you are mentally sick, get an urgent appointment with an psychiatric, dont waste your time here. Bye and Good luck

[sheba22]

no risk, don't worry.

[HiThere44]

can someone please answer my question?  I want to know the risk ASSUMING that THAT is what had happened...

[HiThere44]

Can you PLEASE just tell me if that would be a risk? I KNOW it sounds crazy really I do...

[Teak]

Here is what you do. Seek Professional Mental Help.