Still, the risk of infection is at best unlikely.
But even if that were to occur, the odds of infection remain low to nil.
Perceived risk is an individual’s subjective evaluation of the risk of an illness.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
The perception can persist even though an event is unlikely.
By contrast, documented risk is an evaluation of risk based on available data.
After more than 35 years of HIV research, the likely and unlikely routes of infection are well-established.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Even so, there are many who still question whether the unlikely routes are still possible.
This involves a 28-day course of medications calledHIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
By taking the drugs every day as prescribed, you may be able to avert the infection.
With that said, PEP needs to be started within 24 to 48 hours of exposure.
After 72 hours, the treatment will be far less effective.
Summary
HIV can live outside of the body for hours or longer if the conditions are right.
Even if HIV manages to survive in these conditions, the chances of infection are low to nil.
This includes getting HIV from discarded needles.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Stanford Health Care.HIV and AIDS FAQs.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How HIV spreads.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).Transfus Med Hemother.
Implications for HIV testing.AIDS Patient Care STDS.
2013;27(10):573584. doi:10.1089/apc.2013.0013
Moore DL.Needle stick injuries in the community.Paediatr Child Health.
2016;3(9):451-475. doi:10.15698/mic2016.09.529
Department of Health and Human Services.Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.
