Can You Get HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases from Oral Wounds?

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Hello, doctor.
Previously, I asked you the following question: "If there are sores or wounds inside or outside the mouth (such as on the lips), and if I consume food that has come into contact with the bodily fluids or blood of a person infected with HIV or other bloodborne pathogens (regardless of whether the food is hot, at room temperature, or cold, and regardless of the temperature of the food during preparation or at the time of consumption), could I contract HIV or other bloodborne diseases if these fluids come into contact with the sores or wounds in my mouth?" I would like to ask, if there are sores or wounds inside or outside the mouth and they come into contact with fresh, viable HIV or other bloodborne pathogens, would this lead to an HIV infection or AIDS? What about other bloodborne diseases? (If possible, please also address the second part of my question regarding the risk of other bloodborne diseases.) Thank you, doctor.

11, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/06

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine

1.
There is a risk of transmission, but the risk is low; the likelihood of becoming infected from a single exposure is at most one percent.
2.
The transmission efficiency and risk associated with each pathogen vary, and they cannot be discussed collectively.
In principle, there is indeed a risk of transmitting diseases when a wound comes into contact with blood or bodily fluids.

Reply Date: 2023/08/06

More Info

When it comes to the transmission of HIV and other bloodborne diseases through oral wounds, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms of transmission and the conditions under which these viruses can survive and infect.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is primarily transmitted through specific high-risk behaviors, including unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. The virus is present in certain bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. However, the concentration of HIV in saliva is extremely low, making transmission through saliva highly unlikely.

In the context of your question regarding oral wounds, if you have a cut or sore in your mouth or on your lips and come into contact with fresh blood that contains HIV, there is a theoretical risk of transmission. However, several factors significantly reduce this risk:
1. Virus Viability: HIV does not survive long outside the human body. Once exposed to air, the virus begins to lose its ability to infect. Fresh blood may contain active virus, but once it dries, the virus becomes inactive and cannot cause infection.

2. Inoculation Route: For HIV to enter the bloodstream, it typically requires direct access to the bloodstream through a significant wound or mucous membrane. Small cuts or abrasions may not provide sufficient access for the virus to enter, especially if the exposure is brief.

3. Volume of Blood: The amount of blood that comes into contact with the wound also matters. A small droplet of blood is less likely to result in infection compared to a larger volume.

4. Presence of Other Pathogens: Other bloodborne pathogens, such as Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV), can also be transmitted through blood. The risk factors for these viruses are similar to those for HIV, but they may have different survival rates outside the body and different infectious doses.

Regarding your specific questions:
1. Can you get HIV from fresh blood contacting an oral wound?: Yes, there is a theoretical risk, but it is considered low due to the factors mentioned above. The risk is significantly higher with direct blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles.

2. What about other bloodborne diseases?: The risk of contracting other bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis B and C follows similar principles. If fresh blood containing these viruses comes into contact with an open wound, there is a risk of transmission, but again, the actual risk depends on various factors, including the viral load in the blood, the amount of blood, and the nature of the wound.

In conclusion, while there is a potential risk for transmission of HIV and other bloodborne pathogens through oral wounds, the actual risk is generally low, especially in casual contact scenarios. If you are concerned about a specific exposure, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and possibly consider testing for HIV and other bloodborne diseases, especially if you have ongoing concerns or symptoms. Regular testing and awareness are key components of managing health in relation to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

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