While eating meat skewers at a BBQ restaurant in China, I saw the person handling and flipping my skewers had open sores on his hand and wrist, including one that was bleeding or had pus.

I had gum ulcer. I worry the person might have had HIV, Hepatitis, or other STD, which may cause the open ulcers on his hand. What if he accidentally dropped some blood on my meat skewers while seasoning them?

My OCD assumes the person did have HIV or other STDs, and that some blood got onto my skewers, then touched my gum ulcer when I ate.

Should I worry or get tested for this?

Certain infections are classified as STIs because sex itself is required for transmission -- or other intimate exposure (like transmission to babies in utero or during delivery). Contaminated food never transmits any of the infections you mention. As you obviously realize, this is your OCD speaking. Of course you should not worry or get tested for anything.

I hope this comment is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

1. The person with bleeding ulcers on his hand threw salt and pepper on my skewers. Then, the skewers were cooked for another 10-20 seconds on a coal grill before being served to me.

2. I have been experiencing hives (urticaria) recently. I am concerned that my immune system might not be functioning properly during this time, which could increase my risk of contracting viruses.

3. I found a 1992 study by S.E. Charm et al. in Vox Sang, which stated, "Processing at 77 degrees C and 0.006 seconds resulted in a high level of virus kill, including greater than or equal to 4.4 log10 HIV." Is this information still considered accurate today?

And to clarify, you meant I don't need to worry about all kinds of STIs, even if they are transmissible by blood, correct?

Thank you always : )

Like many with OCD, you are seriously overthinking all this.

2. Urticaria (hives) is a sign of a strongly working immune system. This also make no difference in your risk of catching HIV or any other virus.

3. I'm not an expert in the science of cooking or what temperatures effective sterilize food, but this makes sense to me.

Most STIs are NOT transmitted by blood. For those that are, like HIV, it requires far more blood exposure than these events to transmit infection. Disregard blood exposure, unless someday you are soaked in blood -- like what might happen if you are on the scene and provide care to someone in a motor vehicle accident. The kinds of blood exposure that occur in day to day contact with other persons never risks any blood borne infection. Believe it -- and please no more questions about it.

Thank you, Dr. Handsfield, for educating me with the information and the example you provided on blood transmission.

I was particularly scared of HIV, syphilis, and other STIs in general, which made me wary of minor, day to day blood exposures. After reading your responses, I feel much more reassured and my concerns have been resolved.

Thank you again for your guidance and support.