How Long Does the AIDS Virus Live Outside of the Body?

The human immunodeficiency virus, which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is spread through contact with blood or body fluids. The virus does not last long outside the body, and chances of infection through an outside source, such as contact with an exposed surface, are extremely remote.

Definition

• HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is the term used for when an individual's immune system becomes very damaged from HIV over a period of time.

Misconceptions

• HIV does not spread through tears, saliva, sweat, urine, feces (bowel movements) or vomit that is free from blood. It is not transmitted through casual contact with someone who is HIV positive.

Environmental Exposure

• HIV does not live outside the body for more than a few hours. The virus's ability to infect is reduced by 90 to 99 percent when the exposed surface is dry.

Expert Insight

• There are no known cases of an individual becoming infected with HIV from contact with a surface in the environment.

Life Cycle

• HIV reproduces inside the body, which makes the immune system weaker. It cannot reproduce outside the body.

Considerations

• HIV does not penetrate skin which is free from cuts and scrapes (i.e. intact).