Is there a risk of HIV infection from sharing a vibrator?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 22 year old female. I am not sexually active. Recently, my friend gave me one of her toy things. I am not sure what it was at first glance until she told me. She said she cleaned it and to be safe; I cleaned it again. But, after a few days, my vagina felt unusually weird like something was in it. It started feeling different and turned red. I was scared and kept wiping and caused it to flare up. I am not sure about the reason. A couple of days later my throat starts to hurt. It is sore, and my nose is runny. I do not have diarrhea, but my poop is a little runny. I am nervous, and I want to know could I have caught something from using her toy. I have been told numerous times while growing up that HIV dies once it makes contact with air. So, I have been freaking myself out looking my symptoms up. Please help me or point me in the right direction. Also, I am not sure the last time she used it. Please give me a hand.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It looks like you have been severely stressed with the fear of HIV (Human Immuno deficiency Virus) and it is affecting your health. Transmission through fomites is not a standard mode of acquiring HIV. The virus cannot survive outside the human body. Hence, there is no reason to be afraid of it in your case. Your symptoms appear to be triggered by stress and fear, and you could easily get over them by staying relaxed. Coming to your genital complaints, kindly mention if you have any vaginal discharge, or if there is any foul smell or any recent lower abdomen or a low backache. Although there is no chance of HIV through sharing the vibrators, other common fungal and bacterial infections can be acquired in this way.

Thank you.