Fish Spas, HIV Transmission

Hi, I have been reading some reports that HIV can be transmitted by fish spas? i have been using fish spas for a while now and sometimes have had a open wound on my foot when i have used the treatment. Can Fish really transmit HIV to people through this??? pls respond as very worried about this :(

[Teak]

Fish cannot transmit HIV.

[josie12634]

I have logged on this morning because I'm in the UK and today this item was on the radio news.  They said "there is a risk of HIV and HEP C from fish pedicures although the risk is thought to be low".

I had one of these pedicures a couple of months ago and I know they are quite popular here in the UK so no doubt there will be lots of worried people.

My rational brain tells me its a load of rubbish as I have learnt so much from this site, however the irrational side is worrying me a little.

[RainLover71]

It is a load of rubbish and it,s obsurd.That radio news station should educate themselves on how Hiv is transmitted and fish pedicures is not one of them.Your rational brain is correct.

[josie12634]

I know, I'm just googling here in the UK and this is typical of what is being said:

"People with weak immune systems or underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of infection from controversial fish pedicures, experts have warned.

Questions have been raised in recent months over the beauty craze which sees customers place their feet in tanks of water containing dozens of tiny Garra Rufa fish which nibble on dead skin.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) today issued new guidance after a panel found fish tank water contained a number of micro-organisms and that infections could be transmitted either from fish to person (during the nibbling process), water to person (from the bacteria which can multiply in water), or person to person (via water, surrounding surfaces and the fish)"

As you said, people should learn the real risks.  I learnt so much reading the doctors forums but I know here in the UK, this will now set of a lot of worry.

[josie12634]

One article even said this which has caused the fear:


If a user is infected with a blood-borne virus like HIV or hepatitis and bleeds in the water, there is a risk the diseases could be passed on.

[RainLover71]

The Sun,I know i read it to but it,s not true because the Hiv virus becomes inactive and therefore unable to infect as soon as it is exposed to air.This is just another media scare tactic and it,s going nowhere.Another Hiv fact is that Hiv transmission occurs inside the body not outside it,so how is this transmission going to occur exactly.

[josie12634]

it's pretty poor form eh?  I think the it's the way it's just tagged on at the end of the news bulletin - it's certainly got people talking.

Does HIV also become inactive once exposed to water - such as an environment like a foot spa?

[RainLover71]

YES,this is the reason HIV can not be transmitted via fomites like door handles,chairs,cups,plates,etc.Hiv positive people use public swimming pools and that,s never been a risk,so why would a foot spa be any different.The Hiv virus is so fragile outside the body and lets thank god that it is otherwise the whole world would be HIV positive by now.

[josie12634]

yes, the more we talk, the more ridiculous it sounds!  The fish don't even have any teeth!  They just nibble at the dead skin.  

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
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[josie12634]

that's a bit unfair Teak - we were discussing a news article that is still running here in the UK

[Teak]

Move on,

[Kevyla]

If there is "zero" risk, how can an official body such as The Health Protection Agency say there is?

[zamzam4]

This has to be a joke right.... of course fish spas cannot transmit HIV.  It goes against everything that is scientifically known about the virus.  Absurd!

[RainLover71]

The Health Protection Agency is not the CDC so there is already one point that should be made,the other is that i should learn how to spell properly,sorry josie meant to say it,s Absurd.Storm in a tea cup.