A recent TikTok post by U.K. doctor Dr Sermed Mezher has sparked controversy after he claimed that it is possible to catch HIV or hepatitis from bloodstained toilet paper. The post, which garnered over a million views, suggested that small red marks on toilet tissue could be traces of blood left by intravenous drug users cleaning their needles.
Dr Mezher initially stated that the risk of transmission from using bloodstained toilet paper was one in three for hepatitis and one in 300 for HIV. However, HIV and sexual health charity the Terrence Higgins Trust refuted this claim, stating that it is scientifically impossible to contract HIV or hepatitis from toilet paper. HIV does not survive for long outside the body, and hepatitis B and C are inactivated by drying, making transmission effectively impossible.
The Trust emphasized that the vast majority of HIV transmissions occur through sexual contact, with only a small percentage attributed to injecting drug use or vertical transmission from mother to baby during childbirth. Dr Mezher’s statement was not only scientifically inaccurate but also perpetuated stigma and fear surrounding HIV.
In a new post, Dr Mezher retracted his claim and clarified that dried-up blood on toilet paper would be very unlikely to contain the HIV or hepatitis viruses. He acknowledged that his initial statement was incorrect and apologized for any misinformation spread by his video.
Despite his retraction, the damage caused by Dr Mezher’s original claim has already been done, with news outlets worldwide picking up the story. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate and responsible communication, especially when discussing sensitive topics like HIV and hepatitis transmission.
Overall, it is crucial to rely on reputable sources such as medical professionals and health organizations for accurate information regarding HIV and hepatitis, rather than spreading misinformation that can harm individuals living with these conditions.
