Question

Can I get HIV from deep kissing?

16 December 2010. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.

Hi,

Is it possible to catch HIV from deep kissing (biting lips, gum desease)? I ask this question because there is contradictory information on internet. The CDC site states that there has been one case in 1997 where a woman got infected from her husband through deep kissing. Other sites like MEDHELP or FORUMS.POZ.COM say there is NO risk from deep kissing regardles of any biting or blood.

I am worried and l dont know if I should test after an exposure like this? Thanks.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

I contacted CDC about why they put this information on their website and they responded by stating:

We do not have data on the proportion of people who have been infected through French kissing alone, but we stress that this is likely to be none. The risk is theoretical and remote.

If your only exposure was deep kissing then you do not need to test for HIV. You cannot get HIV this way.