Can I transmit HIV via a razor? Posted: 02-09-07 03:40am
I'm horrified right now and have been for
awhile. I fooled around with a guy
unprotected who informed me that he was
HIV negative, and re-confirmed this a
couple weeks ago. I don't beleive him
because my body has been acting strange
these days. Lymph nodes, etc.
To the question... 3 weeks after the event
I tested negative. My sister visited the
next week and used my razor in the middle
of the night while I was half awake. I
think I used it about 4 hours prior. I
don't beleive I cut myself, but she did.
Asuming I am HIV+ what are the chances
that she may have contracted it from me? I
read that astringents such as shaving
cream and hand soap kill the virus, and
that the virus dies with air contact
within 15 seconds. I understand that
"anything could happen" but has HIV been
transmitted that way before? In any
event... I'm horrified... not for myself,
but for my little sister. I couldn't care
less if I contract it at this point.
Please help me.
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DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
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HIV & AIDS Answer A2347 Posted: 02-22-07 03:55am
According to the major symptom you report,
swollen lymph nodes, you could be
experiencing any type of
infection...including HIV. HIV-tests
detect antibodies that fight against the
virus. The immune system needs time (6-10
weeks) to create such antibodies. A person
could be infected with HIV, but if his
immune system hasn’t created antibodies
yet, the tests would be negative. That’s
why you'll need to request another test 3
months from now. HIV-infection can be
transmitted by using the same shaving
razor, if there is a fresh, infected blood
on the razor.
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