The Jamaica Star :: Health :: AIDS from kissing

Dear counsellor:

I'm a teenager and I have never had sex and I don't plan to become sexually active right now, but I enjoy kissing. Can I get AIDS from kissing?

Virgin Teenager

Dear Teenager:

To date, there has been no reported case of anyone contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, from kissing. To be on the safe side, you should avoid deep kissing (wet kissing) if there are cuts, bleeding gums or sore/blisters in the mouth, as there is the possibility of an exchange of blood in this way. Research has found that HIV is present in the saliva of an infected person but not in sufficient amount to cause transmission.

Spilt semen and wet spots

Dear Counsellor:

I have a few questions to ask about the condom. What if some of the semen touches me after the condom is off, would I get pregnant that way? Can I catch any disease from sleeping on a wet spot or if the condom spills semen on me when we are taking it off? My boyfriend and I are really concerned.

Concerned Couple

Dear Concerned Couple:

Women cannot get pregnant from having semen spilled on the outside of their bodies. However, if semen should come into contact with any part of the vagina, even the outer lips, it is possible to become pregnant. But we stress that this is a long shot. Neither can you catch a sexually transmitted infection by coming into contact with ejaculation on the outside of the body.

You do not have to worry about pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections from sleeping on a wet spot or having semen spilled on your skin. Sexually transmitted infections are usually spread by getting a virus or bacteria on to receptive mucous membrane. Regular skin is not mucous membrane. Regular skin resists infection, unless there is an opening /break in the skin for example cuts or scratches.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-444 or write to AIDS/Affairs c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.