HIV from Wet Toilet Seat and Fissures

[User4246]

Hello,

I recently used a public toilet that had some clear-looking liquid on the seat. I was not sure if it was water, urine, or semen. I wiped off the liquid, but when I sat down the seat was still wet and some of the liquid got on my hand. I am concerned as I had bleeding fissures that some of the liquid transferred from my hand into the wound and am concerned about HIV if the liquid happened to be semen (I know urine doesn’t carry the virus in a sufficient amount).

I have read from many sources that HIV cannot be transferred via toilet seats, but I am skeptical given my situation with liquid on my hand potentially transferring to an open/bleeding wound (the fissure).

I would also point out that I entered the stall immediately after the previous user left, so whatever the liquid was it was fairly fresh. I understand HIV cannot survive for long outside the body, but I have read many opinions as to what “long” means. I have read that the virus becomes untransmittable instantly, to seconds, to hours or more. I think this is the key factor in assessing my risk as the liquid had only been present for minutes, if that.

Would like to get an experts opinion on my risk from this exposure.

Thanks

[auntiejessi]

No.

Written by doctors -

https://www.medhelp.org/aids-hiv/articles/Can-I-Get-HIV-From-Surfaces/2578

[User4246]

Thank you for your comment. Based on the article, consensus is the virus will not be transmittable after a “few hours”. So let’s assume worst case scenario that the liquid was semen, it had only been there for a few minutes and was still wet, is there a risk of being infected if some got from the seat to my hand and into the fissure? Thanks again.

[auntiejessi]

From the article:

" These studies proved that HIV cannot be transmitted through surfaces such as toilet seats, chairs, doorknobs, drinking glasses and bedsheets. The virus cannot survive outside a human host; hence, transmission through air, water (swimming pools), insect bite or casual contacts such as handshake, hug or touch is not possible."

It can't be transmitted from toilets, no matter what the scenario. Going from the seat to your hand to your fissure is not possible.

It just isn't. It's never happened, and you aren't going to be the first, I swear.

[User4246]

Thank you very much for your comments and insight. I appreciate the help.

[User4246]

I have now noticed a swollen lymph node under my jaw. I feel completely fine, but could this be a symptom of acute HIV infection. Or likely unrelated? The exposure referenced above occurred a week and a half ago.

[Kirstie_MHModerator]

As you were advised, you did not have any risk for HIV.  Thus, any symptoms you are having are unrelated to HIV, and we suggest talking to your doctor about your non-HIV related medical issues.

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