Question

Risks from deep kissing…

4 April 2008. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.

I know this sounds like a stupid question but there are a number of websites which state that deep kissing is a ‘low risk activity’ for HIV transmission. Avert also states there has been a recorded case of transmission through kissing in 1997.

I always believed it was a no risk! I recently kissed somone and afterwards found a small pinhead sized cut in my mouth. How much blood would need to be present in order for there to be any risk?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

You are worrying too much.

If you both had cuts in your mouths and are bleeding then there is a chance that HIV could be transmitted but saliva is pretty good at killing HIV.

In the real world this is a zero risk because it is so unlikely.