Expert: Gorkey Gourab - 9/28/2010

Question
Can you pass the hiv/aids virus through a toothbrush and a razor?

Answer
Hello Fonda,

Thanks for asking the question.

Let us come back to your question. In theory – possible.

When we are talking about the transmission of HIV through sharing razors (and sharing toothbrushes for that matter), normally there is a low risk for HIV. This is because the HIV virus dies very quickly (usually within minutes) once it is outside the body. In order for HIV to be transmitted through razors (or toothbrushes), the following would have to occur:

The person with HIV would have to cut themselves when shaving (or bleed when brushing their teeth), AND

The person with HIV would not rinse off the razor (or the toothbrush) after use, AND

Another person would use that same razor (or toothbrush) within minutes, AND

The second person would also cut themselves when shaving (or put the toothbrush with blood on it, into their mouth).

Realistically, it would be quite unlikely for all 4 conditions to be met. This is especially true since people usually rinse off a razor (or a toothbrush) immediately after use. Rinsing the razor (or toothbrush) would wash away any blood, and therefore any HIV in the blood.

However, because the risk of HIV transmission can still technically occur this way (although usually this would be unlikely), and because of the much greater risks for other bloodborne diseases (such as Hepatitis B), out of good hygienic practices, it's always a good idea not to share razors or toothbrushes with anybody else. This is the same advice I would give anyone, regardless of HIV status. Diseases like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are much more infectious than HIV, and pose a greater risk for infection (when sharing razors or toothbrushes). So rather than worrying about transmission risks for HIV (or diseases like Hepatitis B), a much easier and simpler solution is simply not to share razors or toothbrushes with anyone (The Body, 2010).

A case in Australia in the late 1990s involved two sisters. Both tested positive within a month of each other. The risk exposure for the older sister was identified as being sexual contact she had with a Russian man. The younger sister had had no obvious risk exposures, and investigators concluded that the only possible risk exposure was them sharing a razor to shave their legs. Further analysis established that they did have the same Russian virus strain, not commonly found in Australia (AVERT, 2010).

Whilst HIV transmission through sharing razors and sharing toothbrushes is possible, the documented cases are very rare.

References:
AVERT. (2010). HIV transmission - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).   Retrieved May 23, 2010, from http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-transmission.htm
The Body. (2010). HIV Transmission (Non-Sexual Risks).   Retrieved March 12, 2010, from http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Safesex/Archive/TransmissionNon/Q8674.html