Hello everyone! I have a few questions about the risk of contracting hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS when swimming in recreational water. If swimming in the sea, is there a risk of contracting hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS if an infected person is bleeding profusely and I have an open wound while swimming nearby? And is washing hands with soap and water enough to kill hepatitis B and HIV viruses?
Hi @H_ng_Ph_m,
I doubt such an exposure will lead to an infection. The blood will get diluted by the seawater immediately, given that the volume of the water in any sea is greater than the amount of blood a human has in their entire body. This is my opinion.
Yes, good handwashing with soap and water can definitely kill off hepatitis B and other viruses.
If this is a concern, I recommend vaccination to provide you with peace of mind if you have not done so already. I hope this helps, Bansah1
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