How Long Does HIV Virus Survive In Outside Environment?

Posted on Tue, 2 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 2 Aug 2016 Answered on

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I may have an irrational fear of hiv but I work with many addicts who are not happy with me (my job is working with parents who had addiction in thraot past). I am always afraid of being infected. I have
never used drugs. the following are concerns for me:

getting a tampon out of my vagina that was stuck. I had met with a client before (few min) with high risk behavior. i can't remember if I washed my hands first.

stepping on something while changing shoes in parking lot. felt like rock but saw cap the next day that looked like it was orange in the same spot(possibly from a wire or marker but unsure). it did not bleed but not all shots do, right?

my back was turned to an addict who was not happy with me. I was getting something out of my car. could he have poked me or injected me without me noticing? I don't think I bled or felt anything, but my mind is saying I'm not sure.

please help. thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. I have several patients with the same HIV fears as you do

Detailed Answer:
Let me say that none of the situations you mentioned could have gotten you infectec with HIV.

The virus doesn't survive outside the human body for very long and you wouldn't have had any viable virus on your hands, and there wouldn't have been any viable virus on whatever you stepped on in the parking lot.

You would have known if you had been poked with anything by the addict.

So really you have nothing to worry about here.

Please let me know if you need any more information.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ralph Chambers (30 minutes later)

thank you. I am not sure where this fear came from but I appreciate your answer. I was just concerned because I have received shots and not felt much nor have I bled after. either way, your help is appreciated...greatly.

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello again, and you needn't worry

Detailed Answer:
One is always aware of getting a shot even if there's no real pain or bleeding.

I suggest you get some therapy for your fear--a clinical psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy would be my choice were you my patient

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ralph Chambers (3 hours later)

thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Again, nothing to worry about

Detailed Answer:
You're quite welcome, and I hope I've helped you here

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee