Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Long Does HIV Virus Survive In Outside Environment?
Question: I may have an irrational fear of hiv but I work with many addicts who are not happy with me (my job is working with parents who had addiction in thraot past). I am always afraid of being infected. I have
never used drugs. the following are concerns for me:
getting a tampon out of my vagina that was stuck. I had met with a client before (few min) with high risk behavior. i can't remember if I washed my hands first.
stepping on something while changing shoes in parking lot. felt like rock but saw cap the next day that looked like it was orange in the same spot(possibly from a wire or marker but unsure). it did not bleed but not all shots do, right?
my back was turned to an addict who was not happy with me. I was getting something out of my car. could he have poked me or injected me without me noticing? I don't think I bled or felt anything, but my mind is saying I'm not sure.
please help. thank you.
never used drugs. the following are concerns for me:
getting a tampon out of my vagina that was stuck. I had met with a client before (few min) with high risk behavior. i can't remember if I washed my hands first.
stepping on something while changing shoes in parking lot. felt like rock but saw cap the next day that looked like it was orange in the same spot(possibly from a wire or marker but unsure). it did not bleed but not all shots do, right?
my back was turned to an addict who was not happy with me. I was getting something out of my car. could he have poked me or injected me without me noticing? I don't think I bled or felt anything, but my mind is saying I'm not sure.
please help. thank you.
Brief Answer:
Hello. I have several patients with the same HIV fears as you do
Detailed Answer:
Let me say that none of the situations you mentioned could have gotten you infectec with HIV.
The virus doesn't survive outside the human body for very long and you wouldn't have had any viable virus on your hands, and there wouldn't have been any viable virus on whatever you stepped on in the parking lot.
You would have known if you had been poked with anything by the addict.
So really you have nothing to worry about here.
Please let me know if you need any more information.
Hello. I have several patients with the same HIV fears as you do
Detailed Answer:
Let me say that none of the situations you mentioned could have gotten you infectec with HIV.
The virus doesn't survive outside the human body for very long and you wouldn't have had any viable virus on your hands, and there wouldn't have been any viable virus on whatever you stepped on in the parking lot.
You would have known if you had been poked with anything by the addict.
So really you have nothing to worry about here.
Please let me know if you need any more information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
thank you. I am not sure where this fear came from but I appreciate your answer. I was just concerned because I have received shots and not felt much nor have I bled after. either way, your help is appreciated...greatly.
Brief Answer:
Hello again, and you needn't worry
Detailed Answer:
One is always aware of getting a shot even if there's no real pain or bleeding.
I suggest you get some therapy for your fear--a clinical psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy would be my choice were you my patient
Hello again, and you needn't worry
Detailed Answer:
One is always aware of getting a shot even if there's no real pain or bleeding.
I suggest you get some therapy for your fear--a clinical psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy would be my choice were you my patient
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
thank you.
Brief Answer:
Again, nothing to worry about
Detailed Answer:
You're quite welcome, and I hope I've helped you here
Again, nothing to worry about
Detailed Answer:
You're quite welcome, and I hope I've helped you here
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
