Is it hiv risk?
Hey, i want to ask if the following is any HIV risk.
The previous days i had protected vaginal and protected oral sex with a sex worker.
The day before i slipped and fell and i scratched my knee in an area lets say 2 x 2 inches with some bleeding from the friction. The following day there was a crust in that area and not bleeding, i applied some cream etc.
After the intercourse the girl used the bathroom, i guess she washed a little bit and when she came back she noticed the scratch. She did some massage in the area beside the scratch but i dont remember if she touched the scratch.
Let's say that for the sake of conversation she did touch the scratch and she did had vaginal fluids in her fingers, is this an hiv risk?
I'm glad you asked because I am sure it's stressful to be dealing with these questions. It also gives me the chance to clear up some misinformation that is out there about HIV and how it is transmitted.
It sounds like you are concerned about an open wound coming into contact with someone's fingers that may have come into contact with bodily fluids earlier. First, we must remember there is a lot of misinformation about how HIV is transmitted. The five fluids HIV can be transmitted through are breast milk, blood, precum, semen, and anal and vaginal secretions, when they come in contact with a mucus membrane - more about that here: https://h-i-v.net/transmission. However, HIV is not expected to live for long at all out in the open, making environmental transmission outside the body virtually non-existent. This means HIV cannot be transmitted through contact with surfaces - more about that here: https://h-i-v.net/myths-misconceptions
That being said, it is recommended that everyone receive HIV testing as part of their regular health care. Have you ever been tested for HIV before? We're happy to provide some resource to help if you are looking to find a place to test or wondering what to expect.
- Liz (Team Member)Thanks for your answer Liz. So it was a no risk scenario even if she had vaginal fluids on her fingers? We are not medical professionals so can't assess your personal risk. It is always best to get tested if you are unsure. The article linked above specifically explains the scenario you are describing and may give you some more information but we are not able to specifically assess your risk level, I'm sorry! - Liz (Team Member)
