Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have anxiety and OCD disorder and an extreme phobia of infectious diseases. So I need your help to understand a few doubts: Is that a risky exposure if someone touches HIV-infected fluid (semen or blood), which is wet and has not dried up? I understand that intact skin is a good barrier to this, but what if someone touches any mucous membranes after touching the wet liquid?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
If you have any open wounds on your skin, it is risky. It is also risky if the body fluids come in contact with the mucus membrane. The rate of transmission is less, but still, it is risky.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
And the fluid is dried up, then? I mean to say, if one can notice that the hands are totally dry. But, even then, is there any risk?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Viruses like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are very sensitive. Usually, the viral particles die within minutes of exposure to external temperature. They typically do not survive in dried-up secretions.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
When we wash our hands with soap, is contact time more important than scrubbing?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
When the hands are visibly dirty, scrubbing has a significant role. A minimum of 20 seconds of hand washing have good efficacy.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
No, not visibly dirty. I have this phobia, so after touching anything from the outside, like a parcel or public seating area or anything, I wash my hands like I am washing off HIV and infected fluid from my hand, and I scrub a lot. So to kill HIV, hand scrubbing or contact time is important.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Both are important.
I hope you find it helpful.
Kind regards.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. N. Ashok Viswanath
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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