Q: I am 28 years old. Last week, my friend got food for me, which I consumed after five minutes. I had bleeding gums then. Later I realised that my friend has a cut on his finger. I am scared that some blood might have got into the food from my friend's finger and I might have consumed it. Assuming my friend has HIV, what are my chances of getting it in this manner? Please help me. I am so scared. Also, how long does HIV survive in dry blood?

A:Even if assuming that your friend has HIV infection, don't worry about you getting this infection through the food you consumed. All your other questions have no relevance, as HIV is not transmitted through food. Please don't be paranoid and simply relax.