[Question #8062] Hiv from sweat

49 months ago

Hello I met a friend that I know for sure is HIV positive, and is currently not taking his treatment. It was a hot day, and he was sweating a lot. I hugged him hello when we sat down for lunch at a cafe, then I hugged him goodbye after our lunch. I had a small scratch on my hand from a cat. Is there any risk for hiv? Do I need testing?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

49 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

The wording of your question suggests that you may not really know your friend has HIV. Did he actually tell you? If infected, how do you know he isn't on treatment? I have to think you might be making assumptions about him.

But it doesn't matter whether or not he has HIV. The virus is not transmitted in sweat, nor from hugging or other non-intimate human contact. This was an absolutely zero risk event and you do not need testing. (The household contacts of people with HIV -- meaning those who are not sex partners -- never become infected after several years of sharing toilets, kitchens, etc, etc; including hugging or providing personal care for their infected loved ones.)

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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49 months ago

Yes, he told me that he is positive, and also told me that he is off his meds for right now. Sorry if my wording made it sound like I was assuming things about him. So, this still doesn’t change your original answer?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

49 months ago

Thanks for confirming -- sorry if I read too much between the lines! But this does not change my opinion or advice. No risk at all.---