HIV and AIDS Forum - Can I transmit HIV via a razor?

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.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on February 22nd, 2007

HIV & AIDS Answer A2347

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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