Expert: John Thai, M.D. - 4/6/2010

Question
QUESTION: hello, my question is: recently i had a family member stay the night at my house. he used my bathroom and our toothbrushes and razors were in there. i don't know if he would use any of them, but i was wondering would there be anyway that he could give me and my husband HIV/ aids? he has aids himself.

ANSWER: Hi,

You cannot contract hiv by sharing a bathroom with an hiv positive person. I don't believe anyone who is hiv positive would be devious to use another individual's razor or toothbrush unless he or she is psychotic. If you are concerned, just replace it with new ones.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hello again, thank you for responding. if he did use the razor or toothbrush is there a big chance we would get it? and do you think we should get tested? or do you think im just being paranoid about it?

thank you for your help.

Answer
to relieve your worries, it doesn't hurt to get tested. it also doesn't hurt to kindly ask him if he used your toothbrush or razor. the chances of hiv infection from sharing toothbrushes are low unless there is a copious amount of contaminated blood. as far as the razor, did he cut himself? did you cut yourself when using the razor? if not, the chances are slim to non.

i believe you just need confirmation. and the best way is to get tested.