Can HIV Be Contracted Through Ingestion Of Infected Blood?

Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2016

Question: I have a huge HIV Phobia

I do not know why I am so worried about it, I live the most boring life of anybody. I just imagine HIV everywhere.

The other night I was at a business dinner and had Key lime pie for dessert. After finishing the pie I noticed something red on one of the lime. My brain went into over drive and immediately worried that some one cut their finger while cutting the lime and bleed on it. I called the waiter over and he said it was a small piece of mar-chino cherry, I took a picture of it. I went back the next day and the manger looked at the picture and also said it was a cherry, and that all food handlers wear gloves. it didn't seem like blood becuase you could physically move the piece with a straw

I guess the Good news is I didn't eat the lime and it was a garnish and didn't touch my pie. But know I am freaking out about a possible HIV exposure. I just had a test last week because of a similar situation. One Doc told me HIV cant infect outside the body within a few seconds of air exposure, another less than 2 minutes. I have read the CDC saying you can't get HIV from Food. However I do get sore gums and have GERD. So I guess my question is is this an HIV risk, do I need to get retested or is it just my anxiety kicking up.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

It is impossible to get HIV through ingestion. This is a phobia you have, a very severe one, that needs intensive psychiatric treatment. I suspect this is obsessive compulsive disorder, or a specific phobia, and would benefit from intensive exposure and response prevention therapy. I would seek out a psychotherapist as soon as possible for this dehabilitating and extreme illness.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (7 minutes later)

So there is no risk at all if somehow this was blood, even with occasionally bleeding gums and herd.

I know logically that even if it was blood it would be dead, but my emotional mind over takes my logical mind

I am Vet and in pyscotherapy at the VA but its monthly and not seeming to help. I have GAD and PTSD
Did you see my follow up question?

Thanks in advance

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
There is zero risk of transmission here.

You need weekly psychotherapy for this severe phobia.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T