Resistance

HIV is a delicate virus. It is thermolabile, being inactivated in 30 minutes at 56 centigrade and in less than a second at 100 centigrade. At room temperature (20-25 centigrade), it may survive for about seven days.

HIV is susceptible to common disinfectants.
Eg.

70% ethanol
35% isopropyl alcohol
5% formaldehyde
3% hydrogen peroxide
0.5% lysol

Standard washing procedures with detergents are adequate for decontaminating cloths and household utensils. Bleaching powder is effective for surface decontamination.

Back