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Can HIV Be Contracted Through Handshakes?
Question: I sat in a visitation room with someone who may have HIV. We did some paperwork at the table after a visit. I think I did a quick hand wash but I don't remember if I got in between my fingers or just rinsed....if anything. I went to the bathroom and discovered my tampon was very high inside of me so I had to stick my fingers in to get it. I'm sorry, it's gross. Would there be risk here? Not sure if I came in contact with any fluid of any kind from the tables, chairs, etc. Is testing necessary?
Brief Answer:
No risk at all
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
HIV cannot be transmitted (thankfully!) with hand shakes and other common social gestures. There is absolutely no risk when you share objects. Please keep in mind that HIV cannot live outside the body for more than seconds.
No testing is necessary. If you won't have piece of mind, you can do a test now and in 3-6 months. That should make you feel better probably!
I hope you find my answer helpful and reassuring!
Kind Regards!
No risk at all
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
HIV cannot be transmitted (thankfully!) with hand shakes and other common social gestures. There is absolutely no risk when you share objects. Please keep in mind that HIV cannot live outside the body for more than seconds.
No testing is necessary. If you won't have piece of mind, you can do a test now and in 3-6 months. That should make you feel better probably!
I hope you find my answer helpful and reassuring!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok. I'm just really nervous. when would signs occur?
Brief Answer:
about a month later
Detailed Answer:
There is no reason to be nervous about it. If HIV could transmit this way then the human race would have been extinct by now!
Anyway, the acute infection that occurs after transmission may present a few weeks (usually 4) later.
Please stay calm and do the test, just for peace of mind. There is no medical indication for it and there is no way you'll get a positive test after such an 'incident'.
Kind Regards!
about a month later
Detailed Answer:
There is no reason to be nervous about it. If HIV could transmit this way then the human race would have been extinct by now!
Anyway, the acute infection that occurs after transmission may present a few weeks (usually 4) later.
Please stay calm and do the test, just for peace of mind. There is no medical indication for it and there is no way you'll get a positive test after such an 'incident'.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you. I just thought I might have got it on my hands accidentally if she had a cut or something.
Brief Answer:
NO RISK (with capital letters!)
Detailed Answer:
I can't emphasize it more! Just take into account the fact that HIV transmission after getting directly injured by a contaminated needle carries a low risk for transmission and you'll understand that the transmission 'scenario' which has been bothering you is out of the question! Of course you won't find any medical trial that has addressed the issue of transmitting some blood and - after washing the hands - putting some of it on a mucosal surface but this is not a reason to worry. There is no medical trial because nobody has ever got HIV this way!
NO RISK (with capital letters!)
Detailed Answer:
I can't emphasize it more! Just take into account the fact that HIV transmission after getting directly injured by a contaminated needle carries a low risk for transmission and you'll understand that the transmission 'scenario' which has been bothering you is out of the question! Of course you won't find any medical trial that has addressed the issue of transmitting some blood and - after washing the hands - putting some of it on a mucosal surface but this is not a reason to worry. There is no medical trial because nobody has ever got HIV this way!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I'm sorry, again, I may have anxiety. I just don't think I washed my hands well....no soap
Brief Answer:
you definitely have anxiety, no risk even if you didn't wash the hands!
Detailed Answer:
there is no risk no matter how anxious you are. Just do the test and everything will look better afterwards!
you definitely have anxiety, no risk even if you didn't wash the hands!
Detailed Answer:
there is no risk no matter how anxious you are. Just do the test and everything will look better afterwards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
just inquiring... would exposure to water kill the virus. or is soap needed
Brief Answer:
HIV won't live outside the body
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
nothing is needed. HIV cannot live outside the body. If you've washed the "contaminated" area then this a plus for you but it wouldn't live anyway.
Kind Regards!
HIV won't live outside the body
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
nothing is needed. HIV cannot live outside the body. If you've washed the "contaminated" area then this a plus for you but it wouldn't live anyway.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
ok. so I understand that it can't live outside the body but why can blood splash in membranes and infect, and why can sharing sex toys (not that that would ever happen) transmit it?
Brief Answer:
it is not killed instantly but it can't live for long
Detailed Answer:
Let me correct a potential misunderstanding... HIV won't live outside the body for long but it is not killed instantly (its lifetime depends on the environmental conditions) . Despite that, transmission though 'contaminated' objects is from rare to impossible. Please try to keep in mind that even if you had a needle accident (blood to blood - the most dangerous type of contact), the chances to contract HIV wouldn't be very high.
Since I can't seem to reassure you enough, please do the test as soon as possible and repeat it after 3-6 months. But try to keep the facts in mind. You're not in danger!
Kind Regards!
it is not killed instantly but it can't live for long
Detailed Answer:
Let me correct a potential misunderstanding... HIV won't live outside the body for long but it is not killed instantly (its lifetime depends on the environmental conditions) . Despite that, transmission though 'contaminated' objects is from rare to impossible. Please try to keep in mind that even if you had a needle accident (blood to blood - the most dangerous type of contact), the chances to contract HIV wouldn't be very high.
Since I can't seem to reassure you enough, please do the test as soon as possible and repeat it after 3-6 months. But try to keep the facts in mind. You're not in danger!
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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