In this section, our expert doctor will answer questions about a few aspects of HIV partner protection. We have reviewed real-life patient questions and grouped them into topics.
Dr. Fuzayloff has been a practicing physician at a busy STD center in Midtown Manhattan, NYC, for over two decades.
What is necessary for HIV transmission to occur? 
For HIV to be transmitted, fluid containing a high concentration of the HIV virus must come into contact with the bloodstream of an HIV-negative partner. Let’s look at each part of this in more detail.
Which fluids contain a high concentration of HIV virus in an HIV-positive person?
- Blood
- Semen (cum)
- Pre-seminal fluid (cum)
- Rectal fluid
- Vaginal fluid
- Breast milk
How do HIV-containing fluids commonly come into contact with a partner’s bloodstream?
- Damaged skin
- Wounds
- Mucous membranes
When the chance of passing HIV greatest?
People who don’t know their HIV status and were infected recently are more likely to transmit HIV:
- They engage in unprotected high-risk sexual activity
- They have a higher concentration of the virus in the fluids that can pass HIV (semen and vaginal fluids)
What is the chance of passing HIV via common household items?
HIV is not transmitted through common bodily fluids—saliva, sweat, vomit, and feces. For that reason, it’s not possible to pass or contract HIV by sharing a phone, toilet seat, glass, spoon, fork, or knife.
Can HIV be passed by sharing a toothbrush?
The chance of getting or passing HIV via sharing a toothbrush is negligible. Here’s why:
- A toothbrush is washed after use
- Toothpaste is antiseptic
- Transmission of the HIV virus via saliva is uncommon
Can HIV be passed via sharing a bed?
The chance of contracting HIV from sharing a bed or casually hugging is zero.
Can HIV be passed via kissing?
The chance of contracting HIV via kissing is very low (close to zero). Here’s why: HIV is not transmitted via saliva, and for transmission to occur, both partners would have to have bleeding mouth sores or gums. It is definitely not transmitted through closed-mouth kissing (or social kissing).
Can HIV be passed via sex toys?
The chance of contracting HIV via a sex toy depends on whether the toy is shared during the same contact.
Sex toys that are not shared
- The chance of contracting HIV if the sex toy is not shared at the time of the contact is negligible.
Shared toys
- If a new condom is used or the toy has been cleaned with water since the last partner, the chance of transmission is negligible.
- If a condom is reused or the toy wasn’t cleaned, this is considered unprotected contact:
- 0.04% chance of contracting HIV from insertive vaginal sex
- 1.38% chance of contracting HIV from receiving rectal sex
Can HIV be passed via a hand job or masturbation?
In short, it is impossible to get HIV via mutual hand masturbation.
How common is it to contract HIV from a hard surface?
It’s very uncommon for HIV to be contracted from a hard surface.
Usually, the HIV virus can survive outside the body and remain infectious for a few minutes. This depends on multiple factors:
Concentration
- The higher the HIV virus concentration in the fluid, the longer it survives
Humidity
- The HIV virus survive better in a humid environment than a dry one
Temperature
- The HIV virus survives better in cold temperatures. Heat kills the virus.
Sunlight
- The HIV virus does not survive in direct sunlight.
The fact that the virus survives on a surface for a short time does not mean it can be passed to another person. According to the CDC, it is impossible to contract HIV from a surface.
How long does a needle remain infected with HIV?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when the temperature and other conditions are just right, the HIV virus can live as long as 42 days in a syringe, but this typically would have to involve refrigeration. At room temperature, the HIV virus can survive for 7 days.
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