Mac users: please note that our site is optimized for the Safari browser.
AIDS/HIV
AIDS from raw meat?
Originally Published: February 24, 1995
 
Alice,

Is it possible to contract AIDS by handling raw bloody meat?

—The butcher

 

Dear The butcher,

HIV is a human virus so it can only be transmitted through human blood. Raw bloody animal meat does not carry the virus; therefore, handling this meat will not be a risk. There also have been no documented cases of HIV being transmitted through food preparation or food serving. Get yourself a copy of the Columbia University Handbook on HIV and AIDS, available for free to Columbia students at Health Services at Columbia (John Jay, 3rd and 4th Floors). This book contains information about HIV transmission routes, among other key facts, so that you can focus on protecting yourself in effective ways rather than worrying needlessly.

Alice

Related Q&As

AIDS from mosquito bite?



Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service. If you are in an urgent situation, please click here to view a list of 24 hour support services and hotlines.