United Kingdom
A 22-year-old female asked:
If hiv positive blood was on a surface, could someone get infected if they touched it with an open wound? how long does hiv live for outside the body?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Martin Raffanswered
Infectious Disease 58 years experience
Yes: But this would be extremely rare. Hiv will not survive long outside the body, but might if the blood has not yet dried up entirely. Why in heavens name would anybody touch somebody's blood on a surface with their own open wound? A very improbable scenario. But the answer to your question is that this is possible.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Milleranswered
Wound care 38 years experience
Wimpy Virus: It is important to remember that viruses like hepc, HIV and others are strings of proteins connected by very weak bonds. They require many things to be active and need living cells to reproduce and survive. Transfer/infection occurs when anything open or a mucous membrane (anus, vagina, mouth) contacts an organic substance (blood, semen) that has the virus. The key is to avoid, not touch !
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 29, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.