Potential HIV exposure from a sex worker

[Concerned_888]

Hi Doctor,
I  joined a sex worker of unknown status in a hot tub ( not sure if chlorine was present or not) There was only mutual masturbation involved. I came first and then about 10 secs secs later the sex worker came as well. My questions are:

1. Is there an HIV risk under this scenario i.e. in case the person was infected then Is there a risk HIV virus was transmitted in the hot tub via my urethera ( penis hole)?  I understand that HIV cannot survive more than a few seconds outside the body but i’m thinking because of water and close proximity it would instantly be able to transmit via water.

2. What is the risk of transmission of other common STDs in the above scenario? Please note, it is entirely possible that the hot tub may have secretions, ejaculations from previous customers.

Many thanks and I look forward to your response.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Your question has been fully answered regarding how HIV is transmitted and that you  had no risk.

***  thread closed ***

[mike_no]

This virus needs specific host for transmission. Water, air or any other environmental factor is not one. If any of them would have been, HIV would have perhaps been like common cold, which certainly is not the case since this is a complex virus and can be transmitted only in specific conditions.  Unprotected vaginal / anal intercourse or sharing needles to inject drugs with other users are only viable risk for adults.

No one has ever been infected in the fashion you described, you are not going to be the first one. Your fears are irrational, you have been already offered the right insight, it's time for you to accept it and move on with your life. See a therapist if you cant think rationally.

[Concerned_888]

Thanks Mike. Appreciate that my fears are irrational and i’m not challenging the modes of transmission (already repeated several times) and it helps knowing that no one has ever been infected in this manner. I also understand the comparison between common cold and this virus i.e. common cold is able to survive outside the body while HIV renders ineffective within seconds or minutes hence this being one of the reasons its not  as prevalent.

My question, and with respect for which I haven’t seen an explanation,  is simple: If in fact the virus can survive for a few seconds outside the body (including water) then in my scenario what are the factors that makes the risk of transmission zero? Is it because the instant its exposed to water its ineffective ( which would be contrary to it surviving for fee seconds)  or are there other factors?

I’m just trying to understand the reasoning at a high-level ( not after detail here) and not saying you’re not correct.

Thanks.

[Chima7]

You did not have a risk. In an adult, only unprotected anal/vaginal sex and sharing drug needles with infected users is a risk for HIV.

[Concerned_888]

Thanks chima. I’m new to this forum and just wondering if you’re a medical professional in HIV and STDs. Thanks.

[Chima7]

There are no doctors here, only volunteers who help assist with questions related to HIV prevention. It's also a moderated forum where any replies that are not in line with current HIV expert guidelines is promptly deleted by the mods. Aside from this, the routes for HIV transmission are clear as are the recommended testing timelines. It's not difficult to share those recommendations with others.

[Concerned_888]

Thank you Chima. Regarding no risk, if you could please explain why that is? I understand that the virus does not survive outside the body for a few seconds but in my scenario, wouldn’t a few seconds be sufficient time for transmission?  

[Chima7]

It's not a risk because that's not how HIV is transmitted. I provided you with the only possible routes of infection and your situation does not fit into any of those situations.

[Concerned_888]

Thanks again Chima. Much appreciated. I’m not trying to be difficult but still not clear on the why.

I understand your points reg routes of transmission but the question I have is if the virus is ablet to survive for a short period outside the body ( be it seconds or a few minutes) then whats stopping it from entering my urethra given my penis is in the water, the same water that the female worker just came in, which could easily carry the virus into my urethra almost instantaneously.

Just trying to under why this type route of transmission carries no risk?

[Concerned_888]

Sorry, to be clear, I’m asking the risk of me being infected i.ie HIV or other STDs entering my body through my penis hole via water.

[Concerned_888]

The sex worker is female