HIV, HBV or HCV in a razor

[johncreed]

Good morning. I bought a classic razor 2 months ago and I have had it for about 2 months at home, I didn't use it during all this time (2 months).

Yesterday, I used it for the first time and I had a small cut in my face. I have been reading and I think that HIV, HBV and HCV don't survive outside the body more than 1 month and a half, but I don't find clear information.

I am a bit worried about this. I had it at home in a box since I bought it and yesterday was the first day I used the razor after 2 months, I bought it 2 months ago and didn't used it before yesterday.

Do you think that after 2 months, there is any possibility that the razor could have some HIV, HBV or HCV?

Thank you for your help. Regards from Italy.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  there is no risk whatsoever for getting HIV, hepatitis C or any other blood borne infection form a razor purchased two months ago, unused for two months and then used to shave.  Razors are carefully cleaned before shipping and none of the infections you mention would survive for two months outside of the body. there is no reason for concern and no reason to test.  It is advisable to not share razors going forward however.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are being silly.  If it was a 2nd hand razor they would have told you and even if it had been used by someone previously, it is unlikely thathtey were infected in any way, that they cut themselves and virsuses defintiely would not have survived.  Be realistic!  EWH

[johncreed]

Thank you very much for your help, doctor.

I also supose that it should have been cleaned before shipping (who knows), but it could be a second hand razor.

Anyway we don't know this, but in the worst scenery, let's say that it wasn't cleaned and it's a second hand razor... would HIV, HBV and/or HCV survive for two months in the razor unused for two months if it wasn't properly cleaned, stored at home during 2 months and then used to shave yesterday?

The important thing for me it's not whether it was cleaned or not (we don't know), it's to know if all these viruses can survive outside the body for 2 months.

Thank you very much again for your help.