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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is HIV Transmission Possible After Using A Public Bathroom?

I got very sick at work and vomited in the public bathroom. A bunch of water splashed up into my eyes and face and I am concerned because I work at a hospital with a large HIV treatment clinic and the bathroom I used is utilized by many of the patients. Should I be concerned about getting anything from this kind of exposure? I did flush before I used it, if that makes a difference. I m really worried.
Mon, 17 Jul 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, I went through your question and understand your concerns.
I hope by now the vomiting has ceased.
From my personal experience, it is very unlikely to be infected by HIV just because water from the toilet splashed on your eyes and face. There is no publication or research that proves it otherwise as well.
Considering the most recent findings, physicians worldwide, still consider HIV only spreads through direct contact with blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk of an HIV positive person.

Considering the fact that you already flushed, I am pretty certain that there is no scope of virus transmission.

Although, if you are still anxious and concerned, please get a blood test to rule out any possibility of HIV considering the fact you work for an HIV clinic.
Also, I thank you for working for HIV positive individuals.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions we will be happy to help.
If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health.
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Is HIV Transmission Possible After Using A Public Bathroom?

Hi, I went through your question and understand your concerns. I hope by now the vomiting has ceased. From my personal experience, it is very unlikely to be infected by HIV just because water from the toilet splashed on your eyes and face. There is no publication or research that proves it otherwise as well. Considering the most recent findings, physicians worldwide, still consider HIV only spreads through direct contact with blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk of an HIV positive person. Considering the fact that you already flushed, I am pretty certain that there is no scope of virus transmission. Although, if you are still anxious and concerned, please get a blood test to rule out any possibility of HIV considering the fact you work for an HIV clinic. Also, I thank you for working for HIV positive individuals. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions we will be happy to help. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health.