Infection Risks: HIV Transmission Concerns in Everyday Situations

Infection risk consultation?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about something that happened today, as I am feeling quite anxious.
After using the restroom and washing my hands, a colleague walked in and rubbed his hands on my waist three times (I was only wearing a thin shirt).
After leaving the restroom, I suddenly remembered that he accidentally cut his finger with scissors a week ago, and the wound was quite deep, resulting in a lot of bleeding at the time.
After it was treated, the bleeding stopped, but because the wound was deep, a small blood clot formed the next day.
It no longer bleeds, but it hurts when pressed.
Since he has a rather complicated personal life, I would like to ask:
1.
If he is an HIV carrier and during the rubbing of my shirt, his wound was pulled, causing some blood to get on my shirt, is it possible for the virus to transfer to my hands when I touch it, and then subsequently infect me through touching other surfaces?
2.
Does alcohol instantly kill the HIV virus?
3.
Does dried blood kill the HIV virus, and what about a blood clot that has already formed? If the blood clot comes into contact with water and reverts to liquid blood, is there a possibility that the HIV virus could reactivate?

Danxin de ren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/15

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello,
1.
Based on the situation you described, HIV is not transmissible.

2.
Alcohol is not effective in eliminating HIV.

3.
HIV does not necessarily become activated; however, this situation does not lead to HIV transmission.

HIV transmission primarily occurs through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and sharing needles.
The scenarios you described and are concerned about are not modes of HIV transmission.
Please do not worry.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2021/12/15

More Info

When it comes to understanding HIV transmission risks in everyday situations, it's crucial to have accurate information to alleviate anxiety and make informed decisions. Based on your scenario, let's address your concerns systematically.

1. Potential for HIV Transmission through Clothing: If your colleague, who may be an HIV carrier, had a deep cut and some blood was transferred to your shirt while he was touching you, the risk of transmission is extremely low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with certain bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk) and requires a specific route of entry into the bloodstream. In your case, if the blood was on your shirt and not directly on your skin, the likelihood of the virus entering your body is minimal. HIV does not survive long outside the human body, especially when exposed to air. Therefore, even if there was blood on your shirt, the virus would likely be inactive by the time you touched your skin.

2. Effectiveness of Alcohol Against HIV: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective at killing many pathogens, including some viruses and bacteria. However, HIV is particularly fragile and does not survive well outside the body. While alcohol can kill HIV on surfaces, it is not a substitute for proper hygiene practices. Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to ensure cleanliness after any potential exposure.

3. Survival of HIV in Dried Blood: HIV can survive in dried blood for a limited time, but its viability decreases significantly once the blood has dried. If the blood has formed a clot and is no longer fresh, the risk of transmission is further reduced. If dried blood comes into contact with water, it does not "reactivate" the virus. The virus needs a living host to survive and replicate, and once it has dried, it is no longer infectious.

In summary, while it's understandable to feel anxious about potential exposure to HIV, the scenario you've described presents a very low risk of transmission. HIV is a fragile virus that does not survive well outside the body, and the specific circumstances you've outlined do not provide a conducive environment for transmission.
If you are still feeling anxious, it may be beneficial to speak with a healthcare professional who can provide further reassurance and guidance. Regular HIV testing and practicing safe behaviors are also effective ways to manage your health and peace of mind. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding how HIV is transmitted can help reduce unnecessary fears.

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