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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is HIV Transmission Possible Through Inanimate Objects?

I sat in a visitation room with someone who may have HIV. We did some paperwork at the table after a visit. I think I did a quick hand wash but I don t remember if I got in between my fingers or just rinsed....if anything. I went to the bathroom and discovered my tampon was very high inside of me so I had to stick my fingers in to get it. I m sorry, it s gross. Would there be risk here? Not sure if I came in contact with any fluid of any kind from the tables, chairs, etc. Is testing necessary?
posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015
Twitter Fri, 18 Sep 2020 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 22 Sep 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

HIV transmission is usually related to a close contact such as sexual intercourse. Another possible way of transmission is blood transfusion. This virus does not live in the surface of the objects. So, in my opinion you don't have any risk of getting HIV in the circumstances that you described in the query.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi, General & Family Physician
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Is HIV Transmission Possible Through Inanimate Objects?

Hello, HIV transmission is usually related to a close contact such as sexual intercourse. Another possible way of transmission is blood transfusion. This virus does not live in the surface of the objects. So, in my opinion you don t have any risk of getting HIV in the circumstances that you described in the query. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi, General & Family Physician