Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 5/16/2006

Question
Hiv people must be doing masturbation in toilets like other healthy persons. It is possible that a very slight amount of infected semen remains unwashed while using the tap water. The healthy person who is going to use the tap is unable to realise it despite being very sensitive to the the presence of Hiv on the tap. The healthy person may have a slight breaching in his mouth while brushing his teeth or bleeding gums. Does it carru any possibility of Hiv infection?
Please guide me. I am like your son. Your son is worried about this thing. PLease provide me your insight.
                        Thank you!  

Answer
HIV does not live well outside the human body-nor does it live very long. Water would not transmit the virus. The scenario you presented has a lot of "what-ifs" in it and added together, it is not possible for HIV to be transmitted in such a way. HIV is transmitted through unprotected anal, vaginal and oral sex; sharing needles and occasionally from mother to child during delivery. Environmental transmission is so extremely rare.