HIV can only be transmitted through saliva if there are cofactors such as bleeding gums, infections, or a high viral load. The virus is found in low amounts in saliva, making it unlikely to spread through kissing or spitting. Oral sex carries a risk of transmission, but it is much lower than through vaginal or anal sex. It is always advisable to use protection and avoid deep, open-mouth kissing if there is an oral hygiene problem.
HIV can only be transmitted through saliva if cofactors such as bleeding gums, infections of the throat or urethra, or a high viral load are present. Saliva carries the HIV virus but in such low amounts that it is not possible to pass the infection through kissing or spitting until there are open wounds or bleeding gums causing blood to be exchanged. Cases involving the transfer of HIV through saliva with cofactors are also extremely rare. However, infection is possible through oral sex, but to a much lesser extent than through anal or vaginal sex.
High concentrations of HIV are found in blood, vaginal fluid, semen, breast milk, and any other body fluid that contains blood. Any exchange of these fluids between an infected person and an uninfected person is highly risky. There are very low amounts of HIV in saliva, so it is not possible to transmit HIV through saliva alone as there must be enough of the transferred virus in order to become infected with the virus. There is no risk of transmission from kissing unless both partners have severely bleeding gums or large open sores in their mouths. There is no risk of sharing glasses, spitting or sneezing as the virus cannot spread or maintain infectivity in the open air.
Oral sex, however, can be dangerous if one partner has the HIV virus, albeit to a much lesser extent than penetrative sex. There is a possibility of transmitting HIV through saliva if the share recipient has the virus and the share donor gets infected liquid in their mouth and has an open wound such as a mouth ulcer or bleeding gums. There is a risk that the infection could enter the bloodstream this way.
If the oral sex performer is infected with HIV and has bleeding gums or an open sore in the mouth, then there is also a very small risk of infecting one’s partner. If none of these cofactors is present, the risk of transmitting HIV through saliva during oral sex could be said to be non-existent. This cannot be said for other STDs such as herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Any sexual contact with an HIV-infected person carries risks, many or few. It is always advisable to use a latex condom or barrier even when performing or receiving oral sex. While the risk of kissing is minimal, those who carry the virus are advised to avoid deep, open-mouth kisses, especially when there is an oral hygiene problem. The risk of transference is remote but it is better to be safe than sorry.
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