HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can The HIV Virus Survive Outside The Body?

default
Posted on Wed, 24 Aug 2016
Question: Hello doctor,

I would like to ask about the toothbrush , if i washed the toothbrush by water would it be enough to prevent transmitting of HIV if it was used before by a person who is HIV +?. Washing hands by water can kill the HIV virus? How long does the virus live outside the body on shoes , bed or any other things? The dried fluid or blood on table , XXXXXXX or anything outside the body are contagious?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka G Raj (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Survival depends on which body fluid it is in, volume of the body fluid, concentration of the virus within it, temperature, acidity, and exposure to sunlight and humidity.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the query


HIV transmission can occur only when there is contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-infected blood or blood-contaminated body fluids and close sexual contact

So it is not contagious by sharing articles/any stuff.

Scientists and medical authorities agree that HIV does not survive well outside the body, making the possibility of environmental transmission remote.

But in hospitals and laboratories HIV infected material or infected person's body fluid or blood stain on the floor should be disinfected by H2O2(Hydrogen peroxide) solution 0.5-1 % atleast for 10 min.

HIV needs really specific conditions to survive outside the body. Typically air tight and climate controlled. As far as inanimate objects, needles are found to be one place the virus can survive a bit longer.

Survival depends on which body fluid it is in, volume of the body fluid, concentration of the virus within it, temperature, acidity, and exposure to sunlight and humidity.

So chances of survival of HIV on non living things like bed, table , shoes are very less.Even though if it is present , can survive long for several hours.

Regards
Dr Priyanka G XXXXXXX
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. Priyanka G Raj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 275 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can The HIV Virus Survive Outside The Body?

Brief Answer: Survival depends on which body fluid it is in, volume of the body fluid, concentration of the virus within it, temperature, acidity, and exposure to sunlight and humidity. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for the query HIV transmission can occur only when there is contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-infected blood or blood-contaminated body fluids and close sexual contact So it is not contagious by sharing articles/any stuff. Scientists and medical authorities agree that HIV does not survive well outside the body, making the possibility of environmental transmission remote. But in hospitals and laboratories HIV infected material or infected person's body fluid or blood stain on the floor should be disinfected by H2O2(Hydrogen peroxide) solution 0.5-1 % atleast for 10 min. HIV needs really specific conditions to survive outside the body. Typically air tight and climate controlled. As far as inanimate objects, needles are found to be one place the virus can survive a bit longer. Survival depends on which body fluid it is in, volume of the body fluid, concentration of the virus within it, temperature, acidity, and exposure to sunlight and humidity. So chances of survival of HIV on non living things like bed, table , shoes are very less.Even though if it is present , can survive long for several hours. Regards Dr Priyanka G XXXXXXX