Greetings! I ve done my best to find and peruse through as many credible and peer-reviewed articles about the transmission risks associated with the HIV virus. Many of these articles assert that HIV is not highly infectious and is - most commonly - transmitted through risky sexual behavior and needle-sharing. From my understanding, blood-to-blood contact, in theory, presents a risk of transmission, but a nominal one at that. A year and a half ago, I was involved in a physical altercation with one of my best friends. I ve known the person for 15-years, but I ve never been 100-percent sure about his HIV status. My friend - who I ve completely severed ties with - punched me directly in the mouth at close range. A brief scuffle ensued; I - instinctively - retaliated by throwing blows of my own while in a headlock by the perpetrator s hip. The fray definitely did not last long after the initial punch (which was the ONLY punch thrown by him), but I was left with a lip laceration - which was sutured not too long after - and two fractured teeth. I was bleeding profusely. Before I left for the hospital, I noticed that the perpetrator had a laceration on one of his fingers that may or may not have been deep enough for sutures. (I never bothered to follow-up with him after that day.) My query is regarding the likelihood of HIV transmission through open cuts and wounds, and exactly how much blood it would take (realistically) to transmit the virus. If my former friend had HIV, what is the likelihood that I could have contracted it from him, given the extent of my injuries and his? Do I have any cause for concern? I m not exactly sure if any of his blood came into contact with my lacerated bottom lip during the brief scuffle, but I m pretty sure his lacerated finger was a product of the blow he delivered. For my own edification, I would appreciate any type of informative feedback. I have really bad anxiety when it comes to the issue of HIV.