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
Hello doctor,
I went to a beach and I ordered for coconut water. Possibly when the coconut water was given there was a straw that the coconut vendor put in the coconut with his hands. On that day my lips were chapped or cracked. I drank the water by the straw. After that, I saw that the fingers of the coconut vendor were bruised and blood might have had been put on the straw by him accidently which might have had touched my chapped lips. If in case if the coconut vendor had HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus), could it be possible that the blood on the straw could have had touched my chapped lips and infected me?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Your risk of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) acquisition is unwarranted in this case. HIV can only be transmitted by sexual contact, through the exchange of contaminated syringes or needles, blood transfusion or there can be vertical transmission from HIV infected mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery or through breast milk. HIV cannot survive outside the body or even in the old healed lesions or bruised sites.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
Well, particularly in this case, if the blood was on the straw and if the straw touched my chapped lips this fact is causing a lot of anxiety in me as I feel that because of chapped lips HIV could have entered the bloodstream. I do not know the HIV status of the coconut vendor. Should I go for an HIV-RNA test after ten days?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is not that easy for HIV to transmit. It is a fragile virus and that needs a high dose of inoculum to cause an infection. Had this been the cause of transmission, you could imagine the quantum of HIV infected people on this earth.
I hope this helps.
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
