POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: Buzzle on March 22, 2024, 10:32:47 am
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Hello,
Apologies if this is ignorant / offensive in any way (I know HIV can affect anyone) but it’s been bothering me as an overly anxious person. A few nights ago, I was walking home through the street and saw a homeless man asking people for help (and being ignored). I asked if he was alright and he showed me a few large open wounds / sores he had on his legs / arms. I talked with him for a little to make sure he didn’t need immediate medical attention and ended up getting him some water and $20 cash to buy some food. After that, he gave me a fist bump and we went our separate ways. He was wearing fingerless gloves and I don’t remember seeing any blood on them, nor on my hand afterwards.
Shortly after, I remembered that there was a very small cut / abrasion from scraping one of my knuckles a day prior that wasn’t fully healed. Again, I realize that this might be rude / ignorant, but should I be concerned at all about potential exposure to HIV or a similar illness? Thanks in advance!
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Magic Johnson is worth about 1.2 billion dollars.
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You gave someone a first bump, it's not an HIV risk and being homeless or poor doesn't change that.
See: https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=68441.0
Relax and move on with your life.
Here's what you need to know to reduce your HIV risks:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV
Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other easier-acquired STIs. So please do get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.
Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms; testing is the only way to know.
Kind regards
Jim
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Thanks Jim! I guess I was more concerned about whether fresh blood on something like gloves touching a small day old scrape could constitute an exposure. And again, thank you for the responses.
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You're welcome.
It's simple, you can't get HIV from casual contact, nothing will change that.