HIV infected saliva in contact with herpes lesion

Hi There,
Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver for your source of HIV/AIDS related information.
As you might know, HIV and Herpes are the commonly known STIs and both can be transmitted through the practice of unprotected sex. In terms of transmission, HIV directly enters into your bloodstream through sharing needle or unprotected anal/vaginal intercourse; whereas Herpes transmitted through unprotected anal/vaginal intercourse, oral sex (HSV-1 or 2) or kissing (HSV-1). In this case, unless you have unprotected anal/vaginal intercourse with a person whose HIV status is positive, it is very unlikely that HIV would be passed from person to person.
In fact, saliva is one of the body fluids that do not transmit HIV & it actually contains an enzyme that inhibits HIV.
On the other hand, it is possible to get infected with Herpes since it is transmittable through saliva. We do recommend individuals who are sexually active to have HIV and STI checks regularly.
Please let us know if we can provide any more information. Or if you would like to call and speak to someone at the Helpline, you can do so anonymously and confidentially by calling 604-696-4666, Monday to Friday between 9am – 4pm.
All the best,
Tina
AIDS Vancouver Volunteer
604.696.4666, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm PST
helpline@aidsvancouver.org