Q and A

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.

65 comments

  1. sizwe •

    Hi i got a blow job from an hiv positive female, can i get infected?

  2. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi John,

    If you’re asking if a woman who is HIV positive can have children, the answer is yes. What’s important is that she is on medication. Being on medication will reduce the risks of transmission to the baby. And also to you, if you are negative.

    For more on HIV and pregnancy, please see here:

    http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy

  3. john •

    My wife she is reactive but I need a child. Can she have baby for me? Because I need a baby from her.

  4. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Johnson,

    If your girlfriend is on medication and her viral load is undetectable, then the risks of transmission are close to zero. Please see the PARTNER study for more info:

    http://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/

    How though is your girlfriend coping with her diagnoses and that of her son?

  5. Johnson •

    My girlfriend tested HIV negative when she has 4 months pregnant. After she had the baby boy, 18 months she got sick and tested HIV positive and the baby as well. I’m still negative. Am I safe?

  6. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Phumi,

    For how HIV is transmitted, please see quesiton one here:

    http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  7. Phumi •

    Hi
    I want to know my girlfriend is HIV positive so can I get infacted if I kiss her private part

  8. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Peace,

    If you’d like to know about possible transmission, then because your VL is undetectable the risks of you transmitting HIV to a sexual partner are close to zero as the following explains:

    http://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/

    If you could be a bit more specific then I might be able to help.

  9. Peace •

    HI.
    Please am HIV position. My viral load is as low as 20 but am worried on relationship matters. What can I do please.

  10. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Stella,

    If you use a condom correctly, you cannot be infected with HIV.