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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?


Hi doctor. I am a 21 year old male. I,alongwith 2 of my friends had gone to Goa in our summer holidays. We shared the same room.When i went to the rest room,i noticed that the Commode hadn't been flushed properly and some stool was floating (my friend had used it). I rebuked him for the same,flushed the commode and used it to defacate. This was around 2 months back.

Now,i have come to know that my friend's girlfriend (the friend who left the commode unflushed) has HIV. I do not know wether my friend had any sexual relations with the girl.


I am just scared if HIV were to have come in contact with me. When i sat on the commode,i didn't notice any blood or semen as such (I don't remember much to be honest). However,when i sit.... sometimes my penis touches the commode seat. I don't remember if it had touched during that time.

I am mortally scared that i might be having HIV. I do not know of my friend's HIV status. I am a virgin and haven't even kissed a girl. Any advice should be truly appreciated. Do i need to get checked at the nearest Health center for HIV?
Thu, 20 Jul 2017
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HIV AIDS Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome back.
HIV can not survive outside the body fluids for more than few seconds.

Transmission of HIV through inanimate objects like commode is almost 'nil'.
Even if we consider that you friend is HIV positive and your penis had come in contact with his secretions when you were using the western toilet subsequently, the chances of getting HIV is negligible. Not to worry.
In my opinion you need no HIV testing.

There is nothing wrong in getting tested for HIV to get a negative report which can relieve you unnecessary mental tension. Otherwise in future, you may tend to attribute HIV even for a head ache or sore throat.
Dr S.Murugan
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Is HIV Transmission Possible Through Inanimate Objects?

Hi, Welcome back. HIV can not survive outside the body fluids for more than few seconds. Transmission of HIV through inanimate objects like commode is almost nil . Even if we consider that you friend is HIV positive and your penis had come in contact with his secretions when you were using the western toilet subsequently, the chances of getting HIV is negligible. Not to worry. In my opinion you need no HIV testing. There is nothing wrong in getting tested for HIV to get a negative report which can relieve you unnecessary mental tension. Otherwise in future, you may tend to attribute HIV even for a head ache or sore throat. Dr S.Murugan