Visiting a family member With HIV

[concerned2323]

We are going on vacation soon and are going to visit family for a few nights.I didn't even think about it until now, but one of them has HIV. I have done research about HIV and how it is spread. There seems to be some evidence showing small amounts of the virus is in saliva.

The reason I am concerned is that I have a little one with a weaker immune system. I want my child to have a relationship with the great uncles, but I don't want to put him at risk of contracting HIV.

Are there ways to kill the HIV virus on surfaces like bath tubs where my little one will be bathing?  What if he accidentally has a small cut and doesn't realize it when preparing food?

 I don't want to make him feel bad or overreact. I am not writing this to be mean/cruel in any way. I am just trying to get more facts and information so I can make an informed decision like I would for anything.

[le_liseur]

This is a (terribly bad) joke, right?

Also, I do believe you're posting in the wrong section of this forum, as I highly doubt you're HIV+ ...

Edited to add this : HIV transmission doesn't work the way you 'seem' to think it does, regardless of age, weak immune system, and so on. Your kid has NO risk of being infected, nor have you or anyone else, if they visit family members who happens to have HIV.

[Jeff G]

You need not worry about HIV being transmitted unless you are having unprotected anal or vaginal sex or sharing IV drug rigs right after your relatives or friends . 

HIV is a fragile hard to transmit virus and you need not worry about kissing or eating or using the bathroom after a HIV positive person . No one has ever been infected with HIV in the manner you are concerned with and it will not happen to you or your family no matter the condition of your immune system . 

You have an opportunity to learn and teach your children that its ok to be around a person with HIV without fear . There is NOTHING you cant do with HIV positive
person / friend  that you cant do with one who is not living with HIV .

[concerned2323]

You need not worry about HIV being transmitted unless you are having unprotected anal or vaginal sex or sharing IV drug rigs right after your relatives or friends . 

HIV is a fragile hard to transmit virus and you need not worry about kissing or eating or using the bathroom after a HIV positive person . No one has ever been infected with HIV in the manner you are concerned with and it will not happen to you or your family no matter the condition of your immune system . 

You have an opportunity to learn and teach your children that its ok to be around a person with HIV without fear . There is NOTHING you cant do with HIV positive
person / friend  that you cant do with one who is not living with HIV .

Thank you That is what I thought, but, to be honest, I didn't know a whole lot about HIV.  I look forward to spending time with them!

[Jeff G]

Thank you That is what I thought, but, to be honest, I didn't know a whole lot about HIV.  I look forward to spending time with them!

Enjoy your visit ! . Please know that if you or your family were in even the slightest risk we would not hesitate to tell you so you could take measures to protect yourself .

You absolutely have nothing to worry about or fear . I am not suggesting its normal to kiss relatives on the mouth or give them a bite of my hamburger but it would be OK to do so . You will not get HIV from a person unless you have unprotected anal or vaginal sex or share IV drug rigs ... it really is that simple .

[Theyer]

And its fine to ask , enjoy the visit.

[le_liseur]

Hi concerned,

I wanted to apologize for the rudeness of my tone in my answer to your question. Rereading your post later on made me understand you really didn't mean any bad, and my reaction was not appropriate. I hope you had a good time at your family reunion!