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Is HIV transmission possible through infected sputum?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

A person sneezed on my face, and there was sputum on my mustache area. I used my tongue to lick it unknowingly. The sputum was like a transparent white jelly. I am afraid that I will get HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) for licking it because the person who sneezed on my face is HIV positive. Can this cause HIV?

Please help.
Answered by Dr. Shah Sushma Kant

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shah Sushma Kant is an experienced HIV/AIDS Physician with extensive expertise in managing HIV, AIDS, and related complications, as well as diabetes care. She provides comprehensive patient management, including counseling, treatment planning, and monitoring, to ensure optimal long-term health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. There is a possibility for the transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. Therefore, I suggest you do one of the following tests: ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit test - Seven to ten days after exposure. RNA (ribonucleic acid) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) on the 15th day of exposure. Fourth-generation CMIA (chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay) kit test on the 28th day of exposure.

I hope this has helped you out.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 21, 2023
Reviewed At July 4, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shah Sushma Kant is an experienced HIV/AIDS Physician with extensive expertise in managing HIV, AIDS, and related complications, as well as diabetes care. She provides comprehensive patient management, including counseling, treatment planning, and monitoring, to ensure optimal long-term health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shah Sushma Kant
Dr. Shah Sushma Kant

HIV/AIDS specialist

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shah Sushma Kant is an experienced HIV/AIDS Physician with extensive expertise in managing HIV, AIDS, and related complications, as well as diabetes care. She provides comprehensive patient management, including counseling, treatment planning, and monitoring, to ensure optimal long-term health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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