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How Long Can HPV Live On Surfaces Of Inanimate Objects?

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Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015
Question: hello doc. Got a question for you please. I know there are not really any conclusive ztudies about it, and opinions may vary, but about how long can HPV live on surfaces like doorknobs? How long does it take, for the virus to die off, so that it wont be a risk anymore?. I am worried that if I have a fresh cut on my hand, I could get it that way, from touching a doorknob that might be infected. Will the virus be present there forever? Thanks much
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No evidence for HPV transmitted through inanimte objects.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
HPV is highly fragile virus. There is no evidence that it could be transmitted through inanimate objects. No case reports came to my knowledge that anybody acquired HPV infection from door knob even with the presence of a cut injury in the fingers.
The possibility is very remote.
Dr S.Murugan
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan

HIV AIDS Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 3112 Questions

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How Long Can HPV Live On Surfaces Of Inanimate Objects?

Brief Answer: No evidence for HPV transmitted through inanimte objects. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM. Thanks for posting your query. HPV is highly fragile virus. There is no evidence that it could be transmitted through inanimate objects. No case reports came to my knowledge that anybody acquired HPV infection from door knob even with the presence of a cut injury in the fingers. The possibility is very remote. Dr S.Murugan