AboutIan Expertise All aspects of HIV and AIDS, with a special interest in a person`s individual perception and understanding of the virus. Why ? Because this will help in prevention !
Experience As teacher and researcher in the field of HIV and AIDS care.
Organizations I am a lecturer at a University in the UK, and advise a number of organisations on HIV/AIDS and especially the stigma that surrounds HIV.
Expert: Ian Date: 4/17/2008 Subject: HIV infection from touching infected spectacles
Question Hi Ian,
I was at a store recently and trying out few sunglasses. Then I noticed that the person that handed the glasses to ne had some sort rash on his hand.. it looks peculiar and it kinda look like the type of cancer that a HIVer has. I'm so worried right now. Could the virus be passed on to me from the glasses, lets say if he is an infected person ? I pun the glasses on and there are open sores on my head, not large, I got the sores from scratching my head. It may fit the "open sore" notion, I believe... My questions, first, could I possibly get HIV from the contact with the glasses and the skin break. Secondly, about an hour later, I reached home and I took a shower and washed the pair that I bought - does it mean that I have eliminated the chances of contracting the virus? Pls help...
Answer Hi
Thanks for the message - and there is no chance that HIV can be passed on in this way. You don't need to be concerned. For HIV to be passed on, a large amount of fresh infected fluid needs to get into your body through a deep cut. This didn't happen here.
