Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
HIV/AIDS specialist
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I was really scared. Yesterday I sat in a cop's car. After we left the cop car, the cop told me someone who might have AIDS had bloody gums and spit everywhere in the backseat, so I changed my clothes and washed my hands. Still, I forgot to change my underwear, so four to five hours later, my butt itched, I scratched, and I accidentally opened up a scab, but I did not think about it too much. I went to bed, but I am scared now that I could have HIV. I am unsure if I sat in spit, but I am only 18 years old, and I am super scared. I do not want to get AIDS. Can you please tell me how long HIV survives with saliva?
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Your risk is unwarranted in this case. HIV can not survive in the environment. HIV cannot be transmitted by spitting, hugging, or kissing. Besides, saliva has antiviral factors which kill the virus.
HIV can only be transmitted by sexual contact (anal, vaginal, or oral), through the exchange of contaminated syringes or needles, blood transfusion, or there can be vertical transmission from an HIV-infected mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery, or through breast milk.
I hope your query is answered, but if you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to ask or call anytime.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
HIV/AIDS specialist
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
