Question
Is it true that HIV doesn't survive long outside the body?
14 February 2008. Related: All topics.
hi
I was told that hiv virus if it is not in vacuum, i mean on surfaces, dies within minutes. Is it true?
thank you for your answer
Answer
Yes, HIV is quickly killed on contact with air.
You are probably right that within a few minutes, outside the body, any fluid that contained HIV is quickly non-infectious.
Other viruses – for example hepatitis B and C – remain infectious for much longer.
Hi Joseph, HIV will not be active outside of the body for more than 1-2 minutes. This only occurs when still in wet bodily fluids. If you come into contact with dry blood/saliva even within this time there is no risk of transmission.
For more information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Can someone share what do you mean by few minutes. Is it 1-2, <5, <10, <60, etc. Please .
Hi Leonard, HIV is not transmitted this way. Here’s a link to ways HIV is not transmitted. Guidelines for treatment around the world recommend starting treatment at any CD4 count. A CD4 count shows the strength of your immune system, which is the target of HIV. Here’s an introduction to HIV treatment (ART) for your Mom to read. It’s good that you are giving her support to start ART. Is ART easy to access where you live?
My mom is positive and my child swallowed a tissue with her blood, are there any chance of her to be infected with the virus? And how should she gets a treatment?