Can HIV Survive in Alcoholic Beverages?

How HIV is passed on

HIV.gov says HIV spreads through certain body fluids from a person with a detectable viral load: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal and vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The fluid has to reach the bloodstream through a mucous membrane, broken skin or an injection.

Shared glasses and drinks

HIV.gov states that sharing dishes, silverware or drinking glasses does not spread HIV, and that you cannot get HIV from food handled by someone with HIV. So a cocktail, beer or glass of wine is not a route of infection.

Does the alcohol in a drink kill the virus?

We found no official source that says the alcohol in beverages kills HIV or makes a drink safer to share. It does not need to: a shared drink is not a recognized way HIV spreads. Do not rely on drinking, or on alcohol on the skin, as protection. Condoms, testing and treatment are the tools health agencies point to.

Can someone with HIV drink alcohol?

HIV.gov says alcohol and non-medical drug use can further damage the immune system, and that alcohol can make it harder to remember to take HIV medicines on time and as prescribed. It advises being open with your health care provider and pharmacist about any substances you use, including alcohol.

• Tell your care team how much you drink.
• Ask a pharmacist whether your specific medicines interact with alcohol.
• If you miss doses after drinking, say so; do not stop treatment on your own.

For how much alcohol counts as a drink, see our standard drink calculator.