i reacently shared soap with a friend who just found out they just had aids is it possible for me to get it?
Infections - can I get hiv from sharing soap?
Question posted by darcylynne on 19 May 2010
Last updated on 7 September 2011 by nursemike64
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7 Answers
nursemike64
8 Sep 2011
No, not from soap. The virus cannot live in that environment for that long. However, it's not the best practice overall.
angelo2122
14 June 2010
I agree 100% with nekprems answer. No.
sirdex30067
13 June 2010
no
nekprem
20 May 2010
no you can't get HIV infection from sharing soap.
it's spread only through sexual contact, iv infusion, prenatal transfusion.
Ava Marie
20 May 2010
If your friend tested positive for HIV, that does not mean he has AIDS. There is a difference! AIDS is the last stage of the HIV disease when the immune system has been destroyed by the virus. A healthy HIV+ person should have a T-cell count of 300 to 500. Less than 200 usually starts the onset of AIDS. In that your body can no longer fight off common infections, such as colds, flu and the like. They start to develop cancers, PCP (Pneumonia) and organ failure. Now for a direct answer - No you cannot. The soap would kill the virus. It cannot survive outside the host. The virus is only spread through blood, semen, sharing needles and has to enter your body via sex, cuts, sores, or injection. Primarily sexual contact. However, it would be a good idea that you practice safer/better hygiene. Buy yourself a tube of bodywash and use that instead of a bar. It is cleaner and safer to use. You can get HIV from a razor or toothbrush that may be contaminated with some blood after use.
So again, use your own personal items if you share living quarters with someone else. It is a good idea to take precautions yourself in the spread of HIV. NEVER have sex without a condom I don't care who it is. One shot and that's it! That is all it takes. Now try to use a little common sense outside the panic mode. Take care of yourself and be supportive of your roommate and understand the devastation that they are going through. HIV is now a managed disease in that there are newer medicines out there (very expensive) that can control the virus and help to maintain a normal T-cell count (Your immune system). People are living longer now, in fact I know of some who are in their 80's. It is a managed disease sort of like Diabetes. If your roommate has just learned about their infection, he should go immediately to a Infectious disease specialist to discuss a treatment plan. Also for your own peace of mind, you should get an HIV test done anyway. Do not share personal items for hygiene. It doesn't matter whether a person has a "bug" of some kind or not. You don't share your underwear do you? So don't share stuff you clean yourself with. Hope this helps. Take care of yourself, be smart and stay healthy. Ava
justgothome2031
20 May 2010
maybe if you have any open cuts/sores and there was blood on the soap, and you washed your cut/sore area. but that is HIGHLY unlikely. go see your pcp if you are still worried. the disease is spread through bodily fluids, mostly blood and semen etc. those bodily fluids must enter your blood stream.
Rajive Goel
20 May 2010
Never did hear of it, however it is advisable to check with your doc./pharmacist to be sure.
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