[Question #13935] HIV from lip kissing

3 hours ago

Good Evening, Experts

I would appreciate your medical expertise. I am anxious about an event that happened with an unknown female.

I am a pilot and currently on layover in Qatar. I was in one of the bars next to my hotel minding my own business casually eating and drinking with a colleague.

This bar was quite classy, but there were hookers touting for business. They were both African and South American as I heard them talking with potential clients. I am happily married with 2 young boys, so I would never entertain this.

One of the hookers approached me and I instantly dismissed her. She tried again an hour later and was evidently annoyed that I had said no.

Just before going to leave, I stupidly turned my back and the same hooker grabbed me and kissed me on the lips briefly. I was disgusted, so without thinking, put my lips into my drink to clear off anything that may have been on them. A moment later, I then drank my drink.

Question:

Am I clear of HIV from this event?

My family and I will be moving to the Gulf in December as my wife has secured a job here, and of course they test for HIV.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

3 hours ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. It's my pleasure to inform you that being kissed by the commercial sex worker you describe did not put you at risk for HIV on any other STI. STIs, including HIV are not transmitted through kissing. This is the case even if some of her saliva got onto your lips or into your mouth. This is true even if she had a sore on her lips.

In addition, though it does not matter in your case for the reasons I mentioned above, STI and HIV rates in Qatar are very very low. It is statistically very unlikely that she had anySTI.

Please don't worry- there is no reason for concern and no scientific reason for testing for STI, including HIV. EWH

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