Am I being a hypochondriac? A homeless man shook my hand a couple days ago because I gave him some money. Afterwards, I got scared because the day before, I got a superficial cut about a quarter of an inch long on my index finger. I didn’t see any wounds on the man or fluids on my hand, but I think the man was a drug user, perhaps because of his teeth and the burn scars on his hand. I got home 15 minutes later and washed my hands with peroxide and alcohol, worried that I might be at risk for HIV. If this man was HIV+, what are the chances that I am now HIV+?Answered by:Anke Ehrhardt
Since HIV/AIDS is a serious illness, it can be natural to be concerned about the possibility of infection. However, in general, HIV is not an easily transmitted virus. HIV is not passed along by non-sexual routine or household contact. Thus, your risk of infection in this scenario is non-existent; if HIV could be transmitted that easily, the entire world would be infected by now!
To better acquaint yourself with misconceptions and realities concerning HIV transmission, you may wish to visit the HIV transmission section of the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/transmission.htm), which offers answers to commonly asked questions. You could also check the HIV transmission Q&A board at the comprehensive website The Body (http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/SafeSex/index.html).
If you find that you are experiencing excessive, persistent, or unwarranted fears of HIV infection, please consult a qualified mental health care provider who can help you understand and address the underlying causes of your concerns.
Anke Ehrhardt, Ph.D.
Center Director and Principal Investigator
Dr. Anke A. Ehrhardt is the Vice Chair for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Medical Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University and has been the Director of the HIV Center since its beginning in 1987. She came to Columbia University from the State University of New York at Buffalo where she co-directed the Program of Psychoendocrinology at Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ehrhardt is an internationally known researcher in the field of sexual and gender development of children, adolescents, and adults. For the past 35 years, her research has included a wide range of studie...
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