An HIV infected sex partner tore a body piercing and I am worried that his saliva came in contact with my blood. I went to the ER and I was put on a 3 day regiment of meds to stop the possible replication of HIV. What are my chances of preventing the infection?

fearful,

While saliva isn't VERY infective, given the proven new wound and saliva connection, AND the partner's proven HIV status (I assume he/she bit off the piercing?), you are doing a wise thing taking preemtive action.

[This message has been edited by zip2play (edited 07-19-2003).]

The saliva would have had to get into the open wound for the possibility of infection. Saliva is not a great transmitter of the HIV virus, but the risk is there. You are doing the right thing by getting help, but Im not sure what the chances are that you would be infected, or that the meds will work. Good Luck.

PEP is 80% effective.
I'm not sure you were even at risk.
All the research I've done has told me saliva cannot transmit the disease. but I guess since the person was known to be positive and you had a fresh, open wound they did it for safety reasons.

PEP is 80% effective.
I'm not sure you were even at risk.
All the research I've done has told me saliva cannot transmit the disease. but I guess since the person was known to be positive and you had a fresh, open wound they did it for safety reasons.