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Thanks for your input and link! I agree that AIDS cannot be spread via casual contact but remember AIDS can manifest itself into other dreadful contagious diseases such as MRSA, flu and other things....that was my biggest concern....

Destiny & Blessed,  You both hit my point exactly. 

With AIDS comes the potential for many other illnesses.  Had I known twenty years ago that germs could survive on surfaces, I would have made a different decision.   I thought about condeming a man for a rumor while clueless of the possible health implications. 

We've got to be careful of all contagins.  Possible, not just probable.  You might not be able to pick up hiv from his equipment; but,  what's potentially there both known and unknown today? 

I came of age when a shot of penecillin cured every std and the term "resistant virus" was not daily vocabulary.  HIV was the description of somethin out of si fi.  Like MD, I take no chances remote or not.   

I agree with So Blessed 100%, you are dead on.  I am an Disease Intervention Specialist with the state were I have HIV/AID cases along with STD cases and she is correct.  However I do understand the fact that you want to protect yourself and there is nothing wrong with that at all. 

Thanks Shelly! It is good to hear from someone that acutally works in that field that can clarify things! I and do agree that you cannot catch the virus through casual contact, but I just  did not feel 100 percent "safe" using his old equipment even tho I am sure it is "safe" hopefully you are understanding my point of view!

Yes I undertstand your point actually.  I have been trained and I know that you can't catch it through casual contact but for my own safety I take great precautious in every situation especially when I'm out in the field and I have to interview clients.

Thank you! You are very professional about this...and I think that is what most employers and my co-workers wanted just to take precautions, this was not a witch hunt against the guy or discrimination, just want to take all necessary precautions to protect ourselves...imo, his old lap top should not be used anymore...as far as his office they have wiped down the desk and chair with clorox and lysol just for precautions...this is nothing against the guy this is SAME preventive measures we would take if someone had the SWINE FLU.....

I understand completely.

would want a new laptop whether or not the previous owner had AIDS or not but if you feel how you feel you should be "scared" to use public restrooms, eat out @ restaurants, go to your drs. office, etc.

I am a germophobe.    I treat everything in public places like it's contaminated. 

Public restroom seat is covered with a liner or draped with TP if one is not available.  TP is used to lock/unlock the stall latch.  Paper towel is used to turn on/off the water in the sink.  Paper towel is used to open the door if it opens inward.

I have very specific rituals that I follow when I eat out.  First I check out the restroom layout to make sure that any employee using it does not have to pull a door handle to exit and re-contaminate their hands after washing them.  Bathroom door should open OUTward or I'm not eating there.  I don't touch any condiment container on the table unless I've finished eating all finger food.

I HATE HATE HATE having to touch things like elevator buttons, door handles or ATM/Debit Card keypads.   

We keep disinfectant wipes in the car and there are quart-sized bottles of Germ-X in my office, in my kitchen and in the bathroom.   I do not touch my face or food until my hands are washed or cleaned with alcohol.  We teach this to the kids too.