Can HIV spread by touching a blood-stained towel?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was drying my hands with a towel in a neighbor's house, and I noticed some bloodstains on the towel. My neighbor had a razor wound from shaving his face. I did not have any wounds in my hands, and also I rewashed my hands for approximately 5 to 10 seconds with soap after touching the stained towel. I do not know if I should have washed it longer than 5 to 10 seconds. Is it possible for me to get a bloodborne disease like HIV through this? Especially if I have touched my lips or eyes with my hands after handling the towel.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your query.

There is no need to worry if you do not have any open fresh wounds on your skin. Most blood-borne viruses like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are enveloped viruses that are rapidly destroyed by soap. Also, these viruses do not survive outside the human body. Even if it survives, the infectivity is very low. These blood-borne viruses are not as easy to get transmitted from one person to another. Your oral cavity and eyes contain antimicrobial substances like lysozyme and immunoglobulins, which have antimicrobial properties.

If you have not had your hepatitis B vaccination, kindly get the three doses of vaccination to avoid Hepatitis B infection and the fear of acquiring it in the future.

I hope my answer clarifies your doubt.

Take care.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Can I know in detail about your query?