Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!ucsd!orion.oac.uci.edu!ucivax!ucla-cs!marco@ozdaltx.UUCP
From: marco@ozdaltx.UUCP (Steve Giammarco)
Newsgroups: sci.med.aids
Subject: Re: AIDS, deep kissing
Message-ID: <39730@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU>
Date: 3 Oct 90 17:24:23 GMT
References: <39596@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU>
Sender: news@CS.UCLA.EDU
Organization: AIDS INFO EXCG/OZ BBS - Dallas, TX
Lines: 30
Approved: ddodell@stjhmc.fidonet.org (David Dodell)
Note:	Copyright 1990 by Daniel R. Greening.  Permission granted for
Note:	non-commercial reproduction.
Archive-number: 2588

In article <39596@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU>, JOSEPH.ANDREWS@stjhmc.fidonet.org (JOSEPH ANDREWS) writes:
> I am very confused - have a friend who has been HIV+ whom I shall be visiting 
> again - we are close - does deep kissing with him pose a risk 
> of contraction of HIV ? I have read conflicting opinions on oral contact - 
> mouth to mouth - its implications in this context.
> Would appreciate comment, elucidation...

Stop worrying about HIV infection w/regard to kissing. Although theoretically
possible, 11 years of studies have yet to prove deep kissing as a transmission
vector. (I assume y'all don't have braces or have unusually VIGOROUS tongue
lashings that might abrade or puncture the cheeks or gums.  :-)
 
However, *SOME* folks with noticeably impaired immune systems (less than
200 T4 or CD-4 cells [approximate}) sometimes have flare-ups of other
conditions/diseases that *could* be contagious via saliva.  Hepatitis,
mononeucleosis, herpes, tuberculosis (especially if he's from the
SOUTH, like Texas, etc...), and probably a host of other viral/bacteria-
borne creatures.
 
Giammarco's Rule of Thumb: If they're *noticeably* ill, a sincere hug and
a light peck on the lips/cheek might save you both a flurry of worry.

Not very scientific, but, asking for a laundry list of infections isn't
very conducive to warm conversation, either...

-- 
Steve Giammarco        5330 Peterson Ln #1211 Dallas TX 75240      214.788.0976
AIDS Resource Center   4012 Cedar Springs Rd  Dallas TX 75219      214.521.5124
X.400(C:USA A:Western Union N:Steve Giammarco D:ELN-62847823) Easylink:62847823
{mic,void,egsner}!ozdaltx!marco