The probability of oral ulcers being infected with HIV
Jan 04, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
The probability of getting infected with HIV through oral ulcers is actually very low. When you have mouth ulcers, you won't get infected even if you eat meals together with someone who has HIV. For a new infection to occur, a certain amount of the virus is required. Although there's a theoretical possibility that HIV-infected blood contaminating food or utensils might infect a healthy person, the likelihood of such a scenario is extremely low.
The probability of contracting HIV through oral ulcers is actually very low. When a person has an oral ulcer, they will not become infected even if they eat with someone who has HIV. This is because a certain amount of virus is required to cause infection in a new host. Although there is a theoretical possibility that HIV-infected blood could transfer onto food or utensils and potentially infect a healthy individual, the likelihood of this occurring is extremely low.
HIV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, blood, and bodily fluids. Even when oral ulcers are present, the risk of HIV transmission remains very low unless the HIV-positive individual also has open sores or damage in their mouth. Additionally, HIV has very low resistance to external conditions and quickly becomes inactive and dies when exposed to dry environments or other unfavorable conditions.
If you have an oral ulcer and come into contact with an HIV-positive person—especially their blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or other body fluids such as ascites, cerebrospinal fluid, or breast milk—there may be a potential risk of infection, although it does not mean infection will definitely occur. If you only have an oral ulcer without exposure to these high-risk substances and without other risk factors, you generally will not contract HIV, so there is no need for excessive worry or anxiety.
To avoid undue psychological stress, you can go to the hospital for a blood test to check for HIV infection. A negative result indicates no current infection. If the result is positive, retesting should be conducted three months later to confirm the diagnosis.
