Daniel Lee, M. D.Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I have a newborn baby and my brother who is HIV positive is comming out to see him and I was wondering if there is any risk to my baby and how. And also, how is HIV transferred besides blood and saliva?
Daniel Lee, M. D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic
In regards to risks to your newborn baby, there are none that I can think of. HIV can be transmitted via blood (such as transfusions or needle sharing), genital secretions (such as semen or vaginal secretions - from unprotected sex), vertical transmission (from mother who is HIV+ to unborn child), or breastfeeding. HIV is NOT transmitted by saliva, as you suggest in your question. Other bodily fluids such as urine or feces also are not infectious. Thus, there is no need to use separate or disinfect silverware/plates or bathrooms after someone who is HIV+ has used them. Please refer to packet of information that you will be receiving from the CDC for more specific information. Thank you for your question and please allow your brother to be an uncle. There is no risk!!
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