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AIDS - kissing

Dr LM Nath
Consultant, Community Medicine,
New Delhi

Q: I was working in West Africa for 2 years. But now i am settled in India for last 1 year. While I was in Africa I engaged in risky behaviour in a night club with an African girl who was a prostitute. We were involved in a deep kiss with each other. Now my question is that recent studies show that HIV virus is also found in saliva. Am I at the risk of getting AIDS?

A:Yes, theoretically you may have been at risk, but the risk was low. I do not think that you need to be very concerned however for peace of mind you may like to have a test. Please remember that a positive test means nothing unless it is confirmed by a repeat test. Avoid putting yourself at risk even if you are negative.