HIV and AIDS Forum - Diseases pread via razor blade ?

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Q: Diseases pread via razor blade ?

asked by: arunkumar_vit on October 30th, 2008

New User

Hi All,

Recently i went to a saloon for my hair cut and shaving. Barber used the already shaved blade on me. But i didnt have any cuts in my face. But still im fearing if any diseases can be spread via the shaved blade. It seems he didnt immerse the blade in any alcohol or in any of the chemical solutions before using it to me.

I would like to know though there is no cuts, is it possible for some viruses to get in. Also how long the viruses stay alive on the blades so that it can be spread to others.

thanks
arun

Replies(5)

Mame

replied on October 30th, 2008

Supporter

Even without cuts, viruses may be able to get into the wound. Thus it was quite irresponsible of your barber to use a used blade. Viruses are not living per se, they instead use host cells to replicate. Thus, they are "immortal" unless destroyed by alcohol, other drugs, high temperature etc.

I hope that clarifies a few things.

arunkumar_vit

replied on October 30th, 2008

New User

Hi Mame,

Thanks for your reply and it clarifies me some things. But i read in the internet HIV virus cannot live outside the human body for long time. It will be spread only when the body fluid of infected person to get inside of other human beings. Frankly speaking i was too much worried about this HIV virus and I got confused with this. Kindly clarify.

Mame

replied on October 30th, 2008

Supporter

HIV is relatively more fragile than say the flu virus, the latter having a lifetime of about 48 hrs. HIV is quite variable, however, as it depends on if the surface it is on still has fluid, especially blood. It has been suggested that HIV can remain for up to 7 hrs.

At any rate, if you are worried you could take a blood test.

arunkumar_vit

replied on October 31st, 2008

New User

Hi Mame,

Thanks for the reply. Can i take blood test right away? (the incident happened couple of days back).

I will be relieved only after this blood test.

thanks

arun kumar

mominashoe

replied on October 31st, 2008

Supporter

http://www.avert.org/testing.htm

You can check for additional information on this "all-encompassing" website about the the spread of HIV and blood testing.

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