What conditions can kill the HIV virus?

There are several conditions that can kill the HIV virus, including high-temperature treatment, use of disinfectants, exposure to dry environments, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and administration of antiviral drugs. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. High-temperature treatment: Placing items contaminated with HIV in an environment at 100°C for more than 20 minutes, or treating them under high-pressure steam at 121°C for 15 minutes, can destroy the viral protein structure and render the virus non-infectious. Boiling household items such as tableware and clothing during routine disinfection effectively eliminates any potentially residual virus.

2. Use of disinfectants: Commonly used disinfectants such as 75% ethanol, 0.2% sodium hypochlorite solution, and 50% isopropyl alcohol can inactivate the virus within minutes of contact. These agents disrupt the viral envelope and alter the structure of viral nucleic acids, making them suitable for disinfecting environmental surfaces and medical instruments.

3. Exposure to dry environments: HIV has poor survival capability in dry conditions. Once outside the human body fluids, when exposed to air in a dry environment, the virus loses its activity within several hours. For example, after bodily fluids such as blood or semen dry, the virus contained within them struggles to remain infectious.

4. Ultraviolet irradiation: UV light with a wavelength of 254 nm, when applied to virus-contaminated items for more than 30 minutes, can damage viral nucleic acids and inhibit viral replication. UV germicidal lamps can be used to disinfect indoor air and surface objects, helping eliminate HIV from the environment.

5. Use of antiviral medications: Antiretroviral drugs such as zidovudine tablets, lamivudine tablets, and efavirenz tablets can inhibit key viral enzymes like reverse transcriptase and protease, preventing viral replication in the body. Long-term, standardized use of these medications can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, effectively suppressing the virus.

In daily life, appropriate disinfection methods should be selected based on specific situations, and personal protective measures should be taken when handling potentially contaminated items. Individuals living with HIV must take antiretroviral medications regularly under medical supervision and should not discontinue or adjust their dosage without guidance, ensuring effective control of the virus.