[Question #10389] Snot/booger - HIV risk?

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23 months ago
I was on holiday in Europe. While using a hotel shower, I got a small bit of snot/booger about the size of a grain of rice in my mouth. It came off the shower head as I was holding it in front of me. The aforementioned substance was inside my mouth for a few seconds before I spit it out. I think it was from my own nose as I was blowing my nose, but I am not totally certain.

My question is this: if the booger was from the nose of another person, could it be an HIV risk if there was blood inside? And if so, should I get a test? I know HIV doesn't survive in blood in the open, but could it survive in mucus/related substances from inside the nose?

I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
23 months ago
Welcome back to the Forum.  I’ll be glad to comment.  The material from the shower head is more likely to be non-human gunk than from another human but, even if it was, and even if that person has untreated HIV, there is no risk of infection from having it in your mouth.  HIV is not transmitted by ingestion of infected material.  HIV has never been documented to have been transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or other material.  No reason for concern and certainly no reason for testing.

Rest assure, this was no risk.  I hope your vacation was nice.EWH 
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23 months ago
I'm pretty sure it was human, but you are saying that even if you ingest snot with blood from someone else it's not a risk?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
23 months ago
Correct.  Even if of human origin, still no risk and no need for testing.  EWH ---
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23 months ago
Okay, thanks Dr. I appreciate it.