Ask an expert
Search expert health advice:
Browse by expert
- ADHD Expert
- Allergy expert
- Anti-ageing expert
- Asthma Expert
- Arthritis expert
- Breast cancer expert
- Cancer expert
- Cough Expert
- CyberDoc
- CyberShrink
- Oral health expert
- Depression expert
- Diabetes expert
- EnviroHealth expert
- Family law expert
- Fertility expert
- Flu expert
- GynaeDoc
- Headache expert
- Healthy Bones
Question
16 Jan 2008
Share
hiv concerns
Hi can you get hiv through spit - ie if I shared a sucker with someone who has hiv can I get it?
CyberDoc
Dear Jp
although HIV can be detected in saliva, it is not regarded as infectious and there are no documented cases of HIV transmission through saliva as far as I know. There is a protein in the mouth that attaches itself to the surface of blood cells and blocks infection by HIV. This proteien apparently reduces the concentration of HIV in saliva to non-infectious levels. However if the person has blood in the saliva ( i.e. injury to the mouth) the risk may be higher.
Dr Bets
although HIV can be detected in saliva, it is not regarded as infectious and there are no documented cases of HIV transmission through saliva as far as I know. There is a protein in the mouth that attaches itself to the surface of blood cells and blocks infection by HIV. This proteien apparently reduces the concentration of HIV in saliva to non-infectious levels. However if the person has blood in the saliva ( i.e. injury to the mouth) the risk may be higher.
Dr Bets
The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical examination, diagnosis and formal advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.
