AIDS (Hansard, 9 May 1989)

§ Mr. Butler
To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he proposes to issue instructions to the Health Education Authority to bring to public attention evidence presented in theJournal of the American Medical Association 1989, 261(2), pp. 244–5, that passionate kissing favours the transmission of HIV.

§ Mr. Mellor
The article referred to in theJournal of the American Medical Association presents evidence to suggest that passionate kissing can produce microlesions in the mouth, which could, in theory, result in the transmission of HIV since any activity which could involve blood coming into contact with damaged tissue carries such a risk. However, there is no evidence, of anyone having become infected with HIV through passionate kissing. In developing AIDS educational material the HEA has regard to the latest medical and scientific knowledge, and is guided by the Government's expert advisory group on AIDS.

§ Mr. Strang
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases there are of HIV being transmitted through mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

§ Mr. Mellor
I am advised that no such cases have been reported anywhere in the world.

§ Mr. Strang
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he will make a statement on the steps being taken in the National Health Service to reduce the risk of health workers contracting HIV from their patients;
(2) how many health-care workers have caught HIV from their patients during the course of their National Health Service duties over the last 10 years.

§ Mr. Mellor
The risks of health care workers contracting HIV from patients are extremely low. One case has been reported in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, in view of the serious consequences of HIV infection specific guidelines have been given to the health service on the steps which should be taken to minimise the risks of transmission of HIV. This guidance is currently under review by the expert advisory group on AIDS. In addition, much of the general control of infection guidance issued by the Department is relevant to the prevention of HIV transmission in the health care setting.