HIV survives for only a short time outside the body

HIV can survive at room temperature outside the body for hours if dry (provided that initial concentrations are highand for weeks if wet (in used syringes/needles). However, the amounts typically present in bodily fluids do not survive nearly as long outside the body generally no more than a few minutes if dry. Again, the amount of time is longer if wet, especially in syringes/needles and related equipment.