Can I Get HIV Through Water?

Posted on Thu, 23 May 2013

Question: Two days back on 03 may 2013,i took a tumbler of water accidentally which is supposed to be for somebody else.I fear that the water might contain hiv blood.Could you please let me know when and what tests should i take for detecting hiv ?
detection in bangalore?

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (2 hours later)

Hello XXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us.

Please don't worry, you are safe.
First of all there is almost negligible chance of spread of HIV through blood dissolved in water.
The HIV virus can not survive for a long time in water.
Even if it does, the viral load will be neglible to cause any infection.

Secondly, if you are too much concerned about having acquired an HIV inection, you can get p24 assay or PCR for HIV done.
These tests becomes positive within a week and are almost 100 % sensitive.
Even the presence of a single virus in the body can be detected by PCR.

If this test comes negative, you can be sure that you are safe.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (19 minutes later)

Thanks for your reply Mr.Polash.Could you also let me know when(hope there is a window periodfor these tests p24 assay and pvr),i mean the time period,can i put myself for these tests,as the incident took place two days back.I appreciate your short feedback on this

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (16 hours later)

Hello XXXXXX

Thanks for your follow up query.

The window period for the PCR tests is less than 1-2 weeks.
And as already 3 days have been over, it will be better to wait for 3 more days and then take the test.
It will eliminate the probabilities of a false result.

Please don't worry.
Hope everything turns out to be fine.
Take care.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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