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Is HIV Transmission Possible After Using A Public Toilet?
Hello!
I was at work and in a rush and I dropped my tampon applicator in the toilet on the side of the bowl (not in water) at a public place. It was the only one I had and so I used it anyways, now I'm all scared I'm going to try hiv/aids. From what i have read I should be fine but I also have herpes so I'm worried I'm more at risk. I can't calm down . I took it out after about 45 because I was so worried. Can I get hiv from that? Thank you.
I was at work and in a rush and I dropped my tampon applicator in the toilet on the side of the bowl (not in water) at a public place. It was the only one I had and so I used it anyways, now I'm all scared I'm going to try hiv/aids. From what i have read I should be fine but I also have herpes so I'm worried I'm more at risk. I can't calm down . I took it out after about 45 because I was so worried. Can I get hiv from that? Thank you.
Wed, 13 Sep 2017
Dear Patient,
Thank you very much for submitting your question on healthcare magic forum. I want to tell you that you are safe and nothing to worry at all even you have got herpes the risk of contracting HIV from this incident is equal to Zero. HIV can not survive outside human body for long and it cannot live on outside surfaces and dies quickly. HIV is a very fragile virus outside human body and in order to contract HIV, someone should be exposed to the virus directly preferably from direct blood to blood contact. Therefore, even via sexual contact the risk of contracting HIV is not 100 percent in every exposures.
Again back to your incident, you are not almost at any risk of contracting HIV. you are completely fine. Do not worry. If you can't stop worrying you can do pooled RNA test for early detection in 2 weeks and you will surely know that you are not infected. The result will be 100 percent negative. After testing if you still keep worrying, you have to see your family doctor because the underlying cause for your worrying is not HIV and it may be your untreated anxiety. People who have untreated anxiety can experience various episodes of persistent fears or phobias that disturb their day to day life. Therefore, I suggest you to see your family doctor. I hope I answered your question. If you have further concerns, please let me know. Take care!
Good luck!
Dr. Dinesh Nuwan Weerasinghe. MD
Thank you very much for submitting your question on healthcare magic forum. I want to tell you that you are safe and nothing to worry at all even you have got herpes the risk of contracting HIV from this incident is equal to Zero. HIV can not survive outside human body for long and it cannot live on outside surfaces and dies quickly. HIV is a very fragile virus outside human body and in order to contract HIV, someone should be exposed to the virus directly preferably from direct blood to blood contact. Therefore, even via sexual contact the risk of contracting HIV is not 100 percent in every exposures.
Again back to your incident, you are not almost at any risk of contracting HIV. you are completely fine. Do not worry. If you can't stop worrying you can do pooled RNA test for early detection in 2 weeks and you will surely know that you are not infected. The result will be 100 percent negative. After testing if you still keep worrying, you have to see your family doctor because the underlying cause for your worrying is not HIV and it may be your untreated anxiety. People who have untreated anxiety can experience various episodes of persistent fears or phobias that disturb their day to day life. Therefore, I suggest you to see your family doctor. I hope I answered your question. If you have further concerns, please let me know. Take care!
Good luck!
Dr. Dinesh Nuwan Weerasinghe. MD
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