The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Professionals >> Visit The Body PROThe Body en Espanol
Ask the Experts About

Safe Sex and HIV PreventionSafe Sex and HIV Prevention
Rollover images to visit our other forums!
Recent AnswersAsk a Question
  • Email Email
  • Glossary Glossary

What the heck answer was that?
Aug 14, 2006

I recently posted a question it on your forum it was titled. "Did this Balloon Burst my Sanity" And I received the most bizarre answer. You didn't answer my question, although I did say feel free to make fun of the question but atleast you could have given me a bit of an answer wether I had put myself at risk? or not. I have had nothing but respect for you Dr. Bob and I still think you rock but this answer to my question did not re-assure me at all and just didn't make any sense in my opinion. You do not have to post this, but can you please email me back or let me know what my risk factor was? And if HIV can survive in an environment like a balloon where it is not exposed to oxygen? Thank You and I hope I did not upset you, it's just I was hurt by your response to my question.

NorthWest Dude

Response from Dr. Frascino

Hello Northwest Man,

Don't tell me you went out and tried to find a Balloon-o-viro-mometer!?!? Dude, I was kidding! I thought since you liked the Simpsons, you'd have some sense of humor . . . or not!

So "did this balloon burst (your) sanity?" Well, if you really think you could contract HIV/AIDS from the spit in a popped party balloon, I'd have to say yeah, the balloon did burst your sanity because you'd be completely nutso. There, does that answer your question more specifically? What? You're still confused??? Damn, you're almost as dense as Dubya! Your risk is nonexistent (like Dubya's ability to think rationally).

I'll reprint your original question below.

Stay well. Stop worrying.

Dr. Bob

Did this Balloon Burst my Sanity Jul 18, 2006

Hi Dr. Bob,

This is a strange one feel free to make a funny comment. The scary thing is that it did scare me a lot. We recently held a party for some staff one of the members who was responsible for blowing up the balloons is a bit on the let's just say "risky" side. To make a long story short at the end of the party during the cleanup I popped some of the balloons to throw them out, I noticed however when I popped one of the balloons some what felt like spit splashed back in my face. I know HIV does not live long in the environment but what about when sealed in a balloon? I mean it should not have been exposed to Oxygen correct?

Can you please respond back, this has gotten me really nervous for some bizarre reason. Thank You so much for all your wondefull work, oh and just curious are you a Simpson's fan...just have to know because I love that show.

NorthWest Man.

Response from Dr. Frascino

Hello Northwest Man,

To get an accurate assessment of your HIV risk, you'll need to provide me with the results of the balloon-o-viro-mometer. Here's what you do. Find a dude who is "a bit on the let's say risky side" and have him blow up several balloons, but make sure he's not wearing a condom. Then stick your face and the toxic balloon into the balloon-o-viro-mometer and pop it. The machine will measure ambient room temperature, humidity and velocity of the spit goobers striking your face. I'll then need to know how much makeup you were wearing at the time and if any of it was Mary Kay brand. Once you submit this info, I'll run it through my computer and it will spit out (oh sorry, poor choice of verbs) . . . it will provide me with a statistical estimate of your HIV risk. OK?

Bye for now.

Oh yeah and, um, Homer rules!

Dr. Bob

Just wanted to say hi Bob

  • Email Email
  • Glossary Glossary

 Get Email Notifications When This Forum Updates or Subscribe With RSS





Review our complete terms of use and copyright notice.

Powered by ExpertViewpoint