Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Touching Cold Sore

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Get the Facts

Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores and Genital Herpes)

What Is Herpes? Herpes simplex refers to a group of viruses that infect humans. Like herpes zoster (shingles, see Fact Sheet 509 ), herpes simplex causes painful skin eruptions. Itching and tingling are usually the first signs, followed by a blister that breaks open. The infection stays dormant in nerve cells. This is called "latency." However, it can become active again with no warning. Herpes can be active without symptoms or visible signs....

Ask the Experts

Hiv from touching toothbrushing (SNIFFING AND HIV, 2010)

Hello Dr Bob, Need you sincere opinion on what is happened to me.For 3 weeks I work abroad (in UK). I moved with a colleague of mine.(we share the same house, the same bathroom). First of all, I have OCDregarding HIV infection. I keep my personal...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,HIV from touching a toothbrush handle and sniffing it? WOWZA! Your OCD is OOC (out of control!). Your HIV-acquisition risk is nonexistent. Your fears are irrational and unwarranted. I'd suggest you seek counseling (psychotherapy), because,... Read more »

risk of HIV from oral sex with cold sore

what are the risk of contracting hiv from someone from the act of performing oral sex when cold sore blisters are present on the lips of the partner providing the oral sex?would the use of a condom reduce the risk? it is possible for the virus to be...

Response from Ryan M. Kull, C.S.W

Columbia University's Health & Related Services

Theoretically, if you have some sort of active sore or lesion and that comes into contact with HIV infected fluids, there would be an increased risk of HIV transmission. A barrier that prevents fluids from coming into contact with the sore would... Read more »

Cold Sores and HIV Infection

Hey Dr. Rob-I"m a huge fan of You and your organization, and I want to start off by saying "thank-you" for all that you do. I'll be sending my semi annual donation very soon! :)Okay-here is my concern. I recently went to a bath...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello CGM (Concerned Gay Male),You are correct: the overall risk of HIV transmission from oral sex is low. Can having an active herpes outbreak increase your chances of acquiring HIV? Yes, it is possible, particularly if you had open herpes sores or... Read more »

CAN HIV TRANSMIT THIS WAY

Respected Dr,Im worried about an incident happened at message centre one year back.Please advice me whether Im at a risk of HIV or not.At massage centre I was given a small towel to kept on to my penis.After three minutes of body messaging,she...

Response from Lisa Hightow-Weidman, M.D., M.P.H.

University of North Carolina

Hello thereNo, you can not get HIV from touching an inanimate object. Transmission of HIV from a contaminated surface would require massive exposure to blood or other infected liquid from prolonged period of time. In your case, the towel in... Read more »

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Cold sores /hiv infection

Posted by bug, 2 Replies

Hello,
I recently had sex with a prostitute and was so drunk(and stupid) i couldn't think of any possible dangers.
The prostitute had several cold sores on her body. We had unprotected oral sex (lasted less than a minute) and 2 times protected vaginal... Read more »

Can HIV be transmitted through Oral sex?

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

Can HIV be transmitted through Oral sex? Read more »

TRANSMITTING HIV TO NEWBORN TWINS/NEED ADVISE?????

Posted by Jessie, 3 Replies

I recently had my husband come to me, upset, crying and concerned about his brothers two newborn twins and the fact that me and my husband are both HIV+. Apparently, the brother confronted my husband about being with the newborns and washing his... Read more »

Sore Throat And Colds Have Nothing To Do With HIV!

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Check this out:

http://www.hopkins-aids.edu/forum/view_question.html?section_id=61&id=48209&category_id=0

The doctor says that neither the frequency of, nor susceptibility to common colds (including sore throat symptoms) is different in HIV+... Read more »

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