Tag Archives: HIV

December 10, 2008
Are mosquito bites a risk of infection with HIV?

HIV is not spread by mosquitoes or other biting insects. Even if the virus enters a mosquito or another sucking or biting insect, it cannot reproduce in insects. Since the insect cannot be infected with HIV, it cannot transmit HIV to the next human it feeds on or bites.

November 15, 2008
When you are on antiretroviral therapy, can you transmit the virus to others?

Antiretroviral therapy for HIV does not prevent an infected person from passing on the virus to others. It can keep viral load down to undetectable levels, but HIV is still present in the body and can be transmitted to others through sexual contact, by sharing injecting equipment, or from mothers to their infants during pregnancy, [...]

October 30, 2008
What is the risk of getting HIV through body piercing or from a tattoo?

A risk of HIV transmission exists if non-sterile instruments are used. Instruments that are intended to penetrate the skin should be sterilized and used once, then disposed of or sterilized again.

October 29, 2008
What is the risk of getting HIV from kissing?– also tagged

Transmission though kissing on the mouth carries virtually no risk; no evidence has been found that the virus is spread through saliva by kissing.

October 28, 2008
How can people who inject drugs reduce their risk of contracting HIV?

People who inject drugs are at high risk because they can inject HIV directly into their blood stream. But there are certain steps they can take to reduce this risk:

Take drugs orally (i.e. change from injecting to non-injecting drug use).
Do not re-use or use the same needles, syringes, water or drug-preparation equipment with other people.
Use [...]

October 28, 2008
What is the risk of getting HIV from sharing razors with a person living with HIV?

Any kind of cut using a non-sterile object, such as a razor or knife, can transmit HIV. Sharing razors, knives or other sharp instruments with anyone is not advised, unless they are fully sterilized after each use.

October 27, 2008
You can get HIV AIDS from kissing?– also tagged

You can get HIV AIDS from kissing?
Answer: No. HIV AIDS is acquired by unprotected sex, blood transfusion, exchange of needles. It is not also true that you get the disease from swimming in the pool.

October 27, 2008
Does male circumcision prevent HIV transmission?

Recent studies suggest that male circumcision can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV though sex. However, it is not 100% effective and circumcised men can still become infected. In addition, HIV-positive men who are circumcised can infect their sexual partners. Male circumcision should not replace other known methods of prevention, but be always considered as [...]

October 27, 2008
Can I have more than one STI at a time?

Yes, you can have more than one STI at the same time. Each infection requires its own treatment. You cannot become immune to STIs. You can catch the same infection over and over again. Many men and women do not see or feel any early symptoms when they first become infected with an STI, however, [...]

October 27, 2008
Can I tell someone has HIV just by looking at them?

No, you cannot tell if someone has HIV by just looking at them. A person infected with HIV may look healthy and feel good, but they can still pass the virus to you. A blood test is the only way a person can find out if he or she is infected with HIV.

October 27, 2008
Does HIV only affect men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs?

No. Anyone who has unprotected sex, uses un-sterilized injecting equipment, or has a transfusion with contaminated blood can become infected with HIV. Infants can be infected with HIV from their mothers during pregnancy, during labour or after delivery through breastfeeding. Worldwide, 90% of HIV cases are the result of sexual transmission, and 60–70% of HIV [...]

October 27, 2008
What is PEP?

Antiretroviral drugs can be prescribed within 72 hours of exposure to potentially HIV-infected blood or body fluids to prevent HIV sero conversion. This is called “post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection” (HIV-PEP). However HIV-PEP is not 100% effective, even when started very shortly after exposure, so it is vitally important to try to take every measure [...]

October 27, 2008
What should you do if you think you have exposed yourself to HIV?

If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, you should get immediately seek help from your local health authority to receive counselling and testing for HIV. You should take precautions to prevent transmitting HIV to others in case you are infected with HIV.

October 27, 2008
How can mother-to-child HIV transmission be prevented?

Transmission of HIV from an infected mother to her child can occur during pregnancy, during labour or after delivery through breastfeeding. The risk of mother-to-child transmission can be reduced by the following:

Treatment with antiretroviral drugs
Caesarian section
Avoiding breastfeeding, but only when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe. If not, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended [...]

October 27, 2008
Is it safe for two HIV-positive individuals to engage in unprotected sex exclusively with each other?– also tagged

No, it is not safe for two HIV-positive individuals to have unprotected sex with each other as re-infection with other types of HIV and the transmission of other STIs can occur. Use of condoms always is advised, even when both partners are HIV-positive.

October 27, 2008
Is it ever completely safe to have sex with a HIV-positive person?– also tagged

No, there is always a risk of transmission when having sex with a HIV-positive person. The risk can be significantly reduced if condoms are properly used every time one has sex.

October 27, 2008
How effective are condoms in preventing HIV?– also tagged

Quality-assured male and female condoms are the only products currently available to protect against STIs, including HIV. When used properly every time one has sex, condoms are a proven and effective means of preventing HIV infection in women and men.
However, apart from abstinence, no protective method is 100% effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute [...]

October 27, 2008
What is safer sex?– also tagged

No sexual act is 100% safe. Safer sex involves taking precautions that decrease the potential of transmitting or acquiring STIs, including HIV, through sex. Using condoms correctly every time one has sex is considered safer sex.

October 27, 2008
How can you limit your risk of getting HIV through sex?– also tagged

Abstain from sex
Remain faithful in a relationship with an uninfected equally faithful partner with no other risk behaviour
Practice only non-penetrative sex
Use male or female condoms correctly each time you have sex
Delay the age you begin to have sexual relations
Reduce the number of sexual partners you have
Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

October 27, 2008
Can I get HIV from casual contact?

HIV is not transmitted by day-to-day contact in social settings, schools or in the workplace. You cannot be infected by shaking someone’s hand, by hugging someone, by using the same toilet or drinking from the same glass as an HIV-positive person, playing sports with or by being exposed to coughing or sneezing by anyone living [...]

October 27, 2008
How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through:

Unprotected penetrative (vaginal or anal) and oral sex with an infected person
Blood transfusion with contaminated blood
By using contaminated syringes, needles or other sharp instruments
From an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

October 27, 2008
Where is HIV found?

HIV is found in many body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.