Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.Dear Doctor,
We have a nephew living with AIDS. We recently had a family dinner, I noticed he used his fork to cut an appetizer for us to share after he had eaten with this. He is always at social functions for the family, but kisses me on cheek each time we meet. I worry, but rest of family seems OK with it. He is married to a nurse. I know the AIDS virus is in saliva, what are the dangers?
Thank you
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
There is no need for any of you to worry about HIV transmission. There has not been a case of household contact transmission in more than two decades (and the one case was a mother who took care of her son with AIDS--he had had bloody diarrhea, and this was before we knew to wear gloves in situations involving blood).
It is wonderful that your nephew has a supportive family.
Please read the enclosed CDC guidelines on HIV transmission, to help abate your anxiety: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/transmission.htm
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