Can You Get Hiv From Being Spit At In The Face

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Ask the Experts

Can HIV be transmitted from spit in the eyes?

I was wondering if HIV can be transmitted from spit in eyes? My son who is in grade school was spat on by a kid who has the HIV virus. Afterwords, my son washed his face. The kid in question was born with the virus. I am extremely worried....

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,Relax Mom. Saliva/spit that does not contain visible blood is not felt to be a significant HIV risk. Even if trace blood were present, the risk of HIV acquisition via this route would be extremely remote at best.Dr. Bob... Read more »

One last question - Only asked Once :) - I donated and hope I didnt make the Throw this one out List!! (SPIT, SPITTLE AND HIV TRANSMISSION 2010)

Quick Question Dr. Bob, What do you meen when you say essentially? With these wet talkers - should... Read more »

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D. »

HIV in spit?

I was at work today and a customer was very heated that I wouldn't allow him to use a credit... Read more »

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D. »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

Spit and Other "Deadly Weapons"

In May of this year, a 42-year-old HIV positive man in Texas who spat at a police officer during an arrest received a cumulative sentence of 35 years by a Dallas court after a jury was convinced that the man had used his saliva as a "deadly weapon."... Read more »

Open Space to Respond to Sentencing of HIV-Positive Man for Spitting

On May 14 Willie Campbell, a person living with HIV, was convicted and sentenced to a 35 year prison term for "harrassment of a public servant" - and spitting on a police officer - in Dallas, Texas. Since the jury determined his saliva to be a... Read more »

When Will They Learn? Spit Does Not Transmit!

An HIV-positive man in Ohio spits to clear mace from his mouth during an arrest, is convicted of assault with a "deadly weapon," and is sentenced to a 3 to 15 year prison term. Another man with HIV allegedly spits during a heated traffic altercation... Read more »

Blood, Sweat and Tears: An HIV Primer

Should a person who bites a cop and who has AIDS -- or who spits at a cop and who claims to have HIV -- face extra penalties because of his or her status? Two recent court decisions may relate to this issue. On Friday, the New York Court of... Read more »

Connect With Others

So is it possible to get hiv through spit talk?

Posted by AZT, 2 Replies

Basically, I'm just curious if it's possible to get hiv if particals of spite got into your eye/mouth. I know they say it's possible if can see blood in it, but what it was so small you weren't able to watch coming on to your face/eye, or you just... Read more »

Spit dangerous?

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

I feel this is a stupid question, but a healthcare worker at a local hiv clinic scared me. I have a friend who is hiv+ and recently he spit in my face (accidentily) and it got into my eyes. He's not on any meds. The healthcare worker said that I... Read more »

Spitting Spreads HIV, believes 1 out of 10

Posted by bartleby, 2 Replies

according to BBC News, a recent report finds that 1 out of 10 people in the UK still think HIV can be transmitted through spitting or kissing. even more alarming is that 1 out of 5 don't know it can be spread between a man and woman. Read more »

can you see thrush when rinsing/spitting?

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Is thrush visible in the water when one is pitting/rinsing? When ever I brush my teeth and rince I always note some white/yellowish stuff when I rince in the facet. I also have a white coating with red spots on the back of my tongue. Read more »

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