Environmental Surfaces

[joe187]

I have repeatedly that HIV cannot be transmitted off an environmental surface. The CDC report supports this as do most of the people, including doctors that contribute to this forum.

However, if you read the CDC report further it says that household members of people have, albeit very rarely contracted HIV from a HIV positive housemember.  It also recommends that people avoid using razors and tooth brushes.  

Wouldn't a razor and toothbrush would be an environmental surface?  What is the difference here.  If I go into a dirty hotel, lay down on wet semen soaked sheets and I have a sore on my back which comes in contact with the sheet,  why can't I get infected if a person who lives with an HIV + housemate can?

Does it have to do with timing? I am sorry, but I am having a hard time making sense of this.

Thanks



Just looking for further clcaity.

[Teak]

No you cannot reconstitute HIV. You cannot contract HIV from sheets, towels, wash cloths etc.etc.etc.

[joe187]

Thanks Teak,

It seems accurate to think that the people in the housholds who were infected came in direct contact with the host's blood or infected fluids.  

When you come in contact with a sheet or towel, you have a medium or env surface, and by being on this medium it (the virus) - for whatever reason becomes inactive.

Out of curiousity can inactive viruses become active again? What cricumstances allow for this if any?

Thanks

[Teak]

(2) no one has been identified as infected with HIV due to contact with an environmental surface. Additionally, HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions, therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/transmission.htm

[joe187]

But as we all know the skin is not always intact Sometimes there are sores, or cuts, if they come in contact with an infected surface, outside any human body - say on a sheet or towel. There is theoretical risk? D0es this seem accurate?

[HSci34]

Here is the difference.

Razors are somewhat a needle-like object, and it is inevitable that during shaving blood will get onto the razor. Someone who shaves, using a used razor (of someone who is HIV positive), may get cuts while they are shaving that may possibly allow the virus a way to enter into the body. It's probably unlikely, in the first place, that the virus would even survive on a razor... but there is a bit of risk, so why even have that risk when it can be completely avoided?

Toothrbushes are the same thing. Peoples gums are sensitive, and may sometimes bleed and cause the same thing.

Again, the virus is very sensitive outside of cells and the body. It's unlikely to survive on those items, but, it is a safety precaution. There is a possible risk, and they want you to know about it.

Normal contact with the environment, ex. touching fluid or other surfaces will not result in HIV transmission because your skin is a very effective boundary at keeping the virus out.

HIV is transmitted by:
    *
      Having unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who is infected.
    *
      Sharing unclean needles and syringes with someone who is infected.
    *
      From an infected mother to her infant in the womb, during birth, and/or during breast-feeding.
    *
      Needles sticks/or body fluid splashes from infected persons to healthcare workers.
    *
      Donated blood or body parts from infected persons.

The HIV virus is not found in:

    *
      Saliva
    *
      Tears
    *
      Sweat
    *
      Urine
    *
      Feces