One question people often ask about HIV is whether the virus can survive on surfaces, clothes, toilet seats or household objects. Understanding this is important because fear and misinformation can cause unnecessary discrimination against people living with HIV.
Here are seven facts.
1. HIV does not survive well outside the body: The virus is sensitive to environmental conditions and becomes unable to infect people as it loses viability.
2. It is not spread through toilet seats: Sitting on a toilet previously used by someone with HIV does not transmit the virus.
3. Sharing cups is not a transmission route: HIV does not spread through sharing drinking glasses, plates or ordinary household utensils.
4. Sweat and tears do not spread HIV in ordinary contact: These fluids are not considered routes of HIV transmission.
5. Hugging and handshakes are safe: Touching someone who has HIV does not transmit the virus.
6. Sexual transmission involves specific body fluids: HIV can be transmitted through certain sexual exposures involving infectious genital or rectal fluids.
7. Blood exposure requires proper assessment: Sharing needles or receiving contaminated blood can transmit HIV. A healthcare professional should assess any possible blood exposure.
What about dried blood?
HIV loses its ability to infect people as it dries and is exposed to the environment. However, any blood should still be handled carefully because it may contain other infectious organisms.
Use gloves when cleaning blood spills, follow appropriate disinfection procedures and seek medical advice after a genuine exposure.
People living with HIV deserve the same respect and dignity as everyone else.
Ordinary household contact is safe. Knowing the actual routes of transmission helps people protect themselves without treating others unfairly.
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