How Long Does Hiv Live Outside The Body

March 6, 2023 Alex T. Uncategorized 0

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. How Long Does HIV Live Outside the Body?
    1. HIV in Blood
    2. HIV in Saliva
    3. HIV in Urine
    4. HIV in Semen
    5. HIV in Other Bodily Fluids
  3. Conclusion

Introduction

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is spread through contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. It is important to understand how long HIV can survive outside the body, as this can help people take steps to protect themselves from infection. This article will discuss how long HIV can live outside the body, focusing on the four most common bodily fluids: blood, saliva, urine, and semen.

How Long Does HIV Live Outside the Body?

HIV can survive outside the body for a short period of time, depending on the type of bodily fluid it is in and the environment it is in.

HIV in Blood

HIV can survive in blood for up to four days outside the body, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. In dry and cool conditions, HIV can survive for up to four days, while in warm and humid conditions, it can survive for up to two days.

HIV in Saliva

HIV can survive in saliva for up to one hour outside the body, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. In dry and cool conditions, HIV can survive for up to one hour, while in warm and humid conditions, it can survive for up to 15 minutes.

HIV in Urine

HIV can survive in urine for up to one hour outside the body, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. In dry and cool conditions, HIV can survive for up to one hour, while in warm and humid conditions, it can survive for up to 15 minutes.

HIV in Semen

HIV can survive in semen for up to four days outside the body, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. In dry and cool conditions, HIV can survive for up to four days, while in warm and humid conditions, it can survive for up to two days.

HIV in Other Bodily Fluids

HIV can survive in other bodily fluids, such as breast milk, for up to four days outside the body, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. In dry and cool conditions, HIV can survive for up to four days, while in warm and humid conditions, it can survive for up to two days.

Conclusion

HIV can survive outside the body for a short period of time, depending on the type of bodily fluid it is in and the environment it is in. In general, HIV can survive for up to four days in blood, up to one hour in saliva and urine, and up to four days in semen and other bodily fluids. It is important to take steps to protect yourself from HIV infection, such as using condoms and avoiding contact with bodily fluids.

Sources:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). HIV/AIDS: How is HIV Spread? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html

  2. AIDS.gov. (2020). How is HIV Transmitted? Retrieved from https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/how-hiv-transmitted/