HIV Risks: Concerns About Indirect Contact and Symptoms

Feeling worried?

Hello, doctor.
About seven years ago, in a moment of urgency, I used someone else's used toilet paper to wipe my genital area in a public restroom.
Since then, I've been worried about the possibility of contracting HIV.
A week or two after the incident, I experienced symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever.
The clinic diagnosed it as gastroenteritis, but it felt different from my usual experiences with gastroenteritis.
My menstrual period was also delayed by more than a week the following month.

I occasionally worry about this, and now that I have a partner, my concerns have resurfaced.
I've been searching for related information, and many organizations state that such indirect contact does not pose a risk of infection, and that the virus loses its infectivity within minutes.
This information gives me some reassurance, but I still worry about whether there was any bodily fluid contact.

I've seen your responses to other questions, and it seems you take a more cautious approach regarding infections, so I would like to hear your opinion.
Is there a risk in this situation? Should I be concerned or get tested? I have never engaged in sexual intercourse or any other high-risk behaviors, and I'm really scared of getting sick just because of this incident from my childhood! Although it has been a long time, I still worry because of the long incubation period.
A few months ago, I had a health check-up, and my white blood cell count was normal at 8.x (normal range is 4-11).
Although I did not have a CD4 count, can this be used as a basis for judgment?
Additionally, regarding deep kissing with saliva exchange, most information states that there is no risk of infection and that saliva is not infectious.
However, I saw your response indicating a higher probability.
Could you clarify what the actual risk is?

k, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/06

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, I suggest you get a blood test for HIV to determine if you are infected.
As for saliva exchange, if the other person is HIV positive and you have small cuts in your mouth, there is indeed a possibility of infection.
For detailed information, I recommend visiting the "Centers for Disease Control" website, which provides comprehensive explanations.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask, and we can discuss and research together.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Head of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/01/06

More Info

Your concerns about HIV transmission are understandable, especially given the complexities surrounding the virus and its modes of transmission. Let's break down your situation and address your questions based on current medical knowledge.

Firstly, regarding your experience with using someone else's used tissue in a public restroom, the risk of HIV transmission in this scenario is extremely low. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific routes: unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. The virus is not transmitted through casual contact or indirect exposure, such as using a tissue that someone else has used.
HIV is a fragile virus that does not survive long outside the human body. Once exposed to air, the virus begins to die rapidly, typically within minutes. Therefore, even if there were traces of bodily fluids on the tissue, the likelihood of the virus being viable enough to cause infection is negligible.
Your symptoms of fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever shortly after the incident could be attributed to a variety of causes, including viral infections or gastrointestinal issues, as your doctor suggested. These symptoms are not specific to HIV and can occur with many other conditions. Additionally, the delay in your menstrual cycle could be related to stress or other non-HIV related factors.

Regarding your concerns about needing to get tested, if you have not engaged in any high-risk behaviors since that incident, the likelihood of being infected with HIV is very low. However, if you feel anxious or uncertain, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider about getting tested for peace of mind. Routine testing is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially if you have new partners or if you are in a relationship where your partner's status is unknown.

As for your question about saliva and deep kissing, while saliva does contain HIV, the concentration of the virus is much lower compared to blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. The risk of transmission through kissing is considered negligible, especially if there are no open sores or bleeding gums involved. Most health organizations, including the CDC, state that deep kissing is not a significant risk for HIV transmission.

In summary, based on the information provided and current medical understanding, your risk of HIV infection from the scenarios described is extremely low. If you continue to feel anxious, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional who can provide reassurance and possibly recommend testing if deemed necessary. Regular health check-ups and open communication with partners about sexual health are essential components of maintaining overall well-being.

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