[Question #7969] HIV Risk assessment - follow on from last question
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50 months ago
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Hi doctors,
Firstly, apologies for asking another question so soon after my previous question (Question #7953), however, there is a question I totally forgot to ask during my last assessment. Luckily, I had another credit within my account so figured I could use this opportunity to follow up.
As explained in my previous question, I've recently discovered my housemate is HIV positive. The scenario I had forgotten to mention in my previous post is this and it takes place the morning of the day he told me he is HIV positive (he told me later that afternoon):
I had returned home from my boyfriends that morning and went to my housemate's desk where he was working. He's had a few other issues lately so I wanted to see how he was doing. I gave him a few hugs, fully clothed, during our exchange. Straight after this, I went into my bedroom alone and masturbated.
My concern is that, after directly touching/hugging my HIV positive housemate, and then immediately going into my room after to masturbate in my room alone without washing my hands beforehand, is there any risk of me transferring HIV to myself from either touching his clothes or skin from hugging and then immediately masturbating?
Also, as I mentioned in my last question, I started Prep four days after this, so just wanted to make sure that this was not a risk and I can continue to take my prep?
Believe me, I know this sounds ridiculous and a logistical nightmare, but I just want to make sure that there was no risk from the hugging and then masturbating afterwards.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
50 months ago
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Welcome back to the forum although I’m sorry you felt the need. HIV is not transmitted by hugging, kissing or transfer of infectious material from person to person on another persons hands. There was no risk from the fact that you hugged your housemate and then went on to masturbate without washing your hands represents no risk for HIV. The only way you could acquire HIV from your housemate is by having sex with him or through injecting infected material deep into tissue.
EWH
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50 months ago
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Thanks, Doctor! I appreciate your response. As I mentioned, I knew it sounded ridiculous but I just had to ask.
I guess my anxious mind was just like 'but what if I touched him and there were infectious fluids which I touched' - I just want to focus on his wellbeing rather than being worried about impossible scenarios.
So I can put this to bed and not worry about any hugs or close/friendly contact that doesn't involve penetrative sex or injecting needles?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
50 months ago
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Correct. Any contact that does not involve penetrative sex or injection deep into tissue is safe and no risk. This is the case even if you have recent cuts or scrapes which are part of the contact. Take care. EWH---
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50 months ago
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Thank you, Doctor! I actually have one final question regarding Prep.
I'm now on my eighth day of taking Prep - do you know when it will fully kick in and offer full protection?
Thanks!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
50 months ago
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Typically PrEP is active and fully effective 3-4 days after it is started.
This completes this thread. Please remember, further repetitive, anxiety-driven questions may be deleted without and answer and without return of your posting fee. Take care. Please don't worry. EWH
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