HIV is inactivated in the laboratory after a few minutes of sitting at room temperature; the flu virus is still active after sitting for several hours. What are the practical consequences of these findings?
A) HIV can be transmitted from person to person by sexual contact or injection of infected blood products.
B) The flu virus can be transmitted from person to person by contact with a contaminated surface.
C) The flu virus can be transmitted from person to person by direct physical contact.
D) Both A and B apply.
E) All of the above answers apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The practical consequences of these findings are that HIV transmission requires direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as through sexual contact or sharing needles, because it does not survive long outside the body. In contrast, the flu virus can survive on surfaces for hours, making it possible to be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the face, as well as by direct physical contact. Therefore, all of the statements are correct in describing the transmission methods of these viruses.

HIV Is Inactivated in the Laboratory After a Few Minutes