Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Can You Get Hiv Through Kissing

Can I Get Hiv By Anal Intercourse

HIV Positive: Seriously, you can’t catch it from kissing – BBC Stories

Yes, as said, the virus is in body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretion. In general, the person who receives the seminal fluid has a higher risk of infection, because the lining of the intestine rectum is thin and may allow the virus to cross during intercourse, besides the fact that often arise micro wounds. The other partner is also at risk of infection because the virus can enter through the urethra or through small wounds on the penis. Having anal intercourse without a condom is considered a high-risk behaviour. In addition, while using a condom, anal sex can be risky due to possible breakage of condoms during intercourse. To avoid this, it is advisable to always use a water-based lubricant.

How Effective Are Latex Condoms In Preventing Hiv

Studies have shown that latex condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV transmission when used consistently and correctly. These studies looked at uninfected people considered to be at very high risk of infection because they were involved in sexual relationships with HIV-infected people. The studies found that even with repeated sexual contact, 98-100 percent of those people who used latex condoms correctly and consistently did not become infected.

Is There Anything You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk Of Oral Hpv

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

  • Be informed. The more you know about what HPV is and how its transmitted, the more you can avoid situations in which you might transmit or contract it.
  • Practice safe sex. Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex can reduce your risk of transmission.
  • Get tested. You and your partner should get tested regularly for STIs. Anyone with a cervix should also get regular Pap smears. This increases your chances of detecting an infection early and preventing transmission.
  • Communicate. Talk to your partner about your sexual histories and other partners you may have, so that you know if anyone could be at risk.
  • Limit your number of sexual partners. Generally speaking, having more sexual partners can increase your chances of coming into contact with HPV.

If you do contract HPV, theres no reason to be ashamed.

Almost everyone whos sexually active up to 80 percent contracts at least one form of HPV during their lifetime.

This includes people whove only had one sexual partner, people whove more than a few, and everyone in between.

The HPV vaccine can help reduce your risk of contracting the strains most likely to cause certain cancers or warts.

Newer research also suggests that the vaccine can help reduce your risk of contracting oral HPV, specifically.

One study showed oral HPV infections at an 88 percent lower rate among young adults who got at least one dose of the HPV vaccine.

Also Check: Where Does Hiv Originated From

Prevention Of Infection While Kissing

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of passing on, or catching, an infection while kissing. You should try to:

  • Avoid kissing when you or the other person is sick.
  • Avoid kissing anyone on the lips when you, or they, have an active cold sore, warts or ulcers around the lips or in the mouth.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Cough and sneeze into a hanky if you have a cold.
  • See your doctor about immunisations. Vaccines are available to prevent some infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, hepatitis B and group C meningococcal infection.

Can Hiv Be Transmitted Through Oral Sex

Can people transmit HIV through kissing? Busting HIV myths

Yes, but the risk is relatively low.

HIV is transmitted through seminal and vaginal fluids, including menstrual fluids. The virus can enter the body through the bloodstream or by passing through delicate mucous membranes, such as inside the vagina, rectum or urethra.

If a person gives fellatio and has bleeding gums, a cut, or an ulcer inside their mouth, HIV could enter their bloodstream through infected fluid. This could also happen if infected fluid from a woman gets into the mouth of her partner during oral sex.

Using a;condom during sex, including oral and anal sex, is the best way to prevent;sexually transmitted infections , including HIV. Avoid using an oil-based lubricant, such as Vaseline or baby oil, because they can weaken the condom and increase the;risk of it splitting.

You can use a dental dam to cover the anus or female genitals during oral sex. A dental dam is a latex or polyurethane square, measuring about 15cm by 15cm. It acts as a barrier to help stop STIs passing from one person to another.

Read Also: Can I Get Hiv From Spit

Myths About Hiv And Aids

FAST FACTS:

  • There are lots of myths around, but the facts of how you can get HIV, and how you can protect yourself, are very simple.
  • One of the most common myths people living with HIV hear is that they can be cured. Theres no cure yet for HIV, but antiretroviral treatment works and will keep someone living with HIV healthy.;

There are lots of myths and misconceptions about how you can get;HIV. Here we debunk those myths and give you the facts about how;HIV is passed on

HIV can only be passed on from one person to another via the following bodily fluids:

  • blood

Myth : Hiv And Aids Are The Same Thing

We get it: HIV and AIDS have been lumped together for so long that many people assume theyre the same thing.

But lets get the facts straight. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS is a condition that can develop after HIV has caused serious damage.

You can live with HIV and stay healthy for decades without ever developing AIDS, as long as you get treatment. Otherwise, HIV can progress to AIDS in three stages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention :

  • Acute HIV infection. This stage involves a lot of HIV in the blood and can come with flu-like symptoms .
  • Chronic HIV infection. Also known as asymptomatic HIV infection, this is when HIV is still active but doesnt reproduce as quickly as in the first stage. People often dont have symptoms at this point.
  • AIDS. This is when a person has a high viral load, very low levels of important white blood cells called CD4 cells, and severe damage to their immune system.
  • Once upon a time, HIV was sort of seen as a death sentence because of that progression to AIDS. But thanks to treatment options that have been developed over the years, most people with HIV never reach a late-stage infection and often have long, healthy lives.

    Recommended Reading: What Are The Signs That You Are Hiv Positive

    Passionate Kisses Have Health Benefits

    Its not all doom and gloom. Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits, including:

    • Emotional bonding kissing your partner is a fun, pleasurable and important part of physical intimacy and helps maintain a sense of togetherness and love.
    • Stress reduction kissing your partner, either tenderly or passionately, releases calming brain chemicals that reduce stress levels and soothe the mind.
    • Foreplay deep kissing your partner can lead to sexual intercourse. Various studies show that sex enhances a persons physical and mental health. For example, regular sex is protective against stress and depression.
    • Metabolic boost kissing burns kilojoules. The more passionate the kiss, the greater the metabolic boost.
    • Healthier mouth saliva contains substances that fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. Deep kissing increases the flow of saliva, which helps to keep the mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
    • Increased immunity exposure to germs that inhabit your partners mouth strengthens your immune system.

    Does Fellatio Is An Intercourse At High Risk Of Hiv Infection

    Is it possible to transmit HIV through saliva?

    Oral stimulation of the penis is considered at low risk if there is no contact between the sperm and the mucous membranes of the mouth. In the case of contact, the risk is for the person who practices fellatio. The use of condoms excludes contact between the sperm and mucous membranes: if you decide not to use a condom, you should avoid ejaculation in the mouth.

    Don’t Miss: How Fast Does Hiv Spread In The Body

    Isnt Hiv Only A Risk For Certain Groups Of People

    Like most illnesses, HIV doesnt discriminate between types of people and the infection can be passed on to anyone via one of the ways mentioned above.

    Some people are more vulnerable to HIV infection if they engage regularly in certain activities that are more likely to transmit the virus. However, its a common misunderstanding that HIV only affects certain groups.

    While not everyone has the same level of HIV risk, everyone can reduce their risk of infection.

    Why Is Hiv Test Recommended To All Pregnant Women

    A HIV-positive pregnant woman can transmit the infection to her child during pregnancy, during delivery, and after birth during breastfeeding. To prevent this, antiretroviral drugs both before and after childbirth are prescribed. The test is not obligatory but voluntary and is carried out after signing an informed consent, but it is definitely recommended because it allows women who are positive to access preventive medical treatment, and HIV-negative women to become aware of all the information to prevent future exposure to the virus, thanks to medical advice.

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    Aids Phobia And Conspiracy Theorists

    With that being said, there are people who still fear that infection is possible from the unlikely sources, including touching, mosquitos, shared grooming products, and, kissing. AIDS phobia, the paralyzing and unreasonable fear of HIV, plays a huge part in these beliefs. At other times, a person may prescribe to contrarian view about HIV or are simply misinformed about HIV in general.

    For these individuals, counseling with a qualified professional may be needed as well as psychotherapy for those experiencing extreme anxiety or depression. Additionally, if the person is at risk of acquiring HIV or in a mixed-status relationship, doctors may want to consider prescribing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis , a once-daily pill that can reduce the risk of HIV by more than 90%.

    HIV Doctor Discussion Guide

    Can Herbal Medicine Cure Hiv

    HIV and AIDS

    No. Some people choose to take alternative forms of medicine, such as herbal medicines, as a natural way of treating HIV. However, herbal remedies do not work.

    Taking herbal medicines can be dangerous as they will not protect your immune system from infection. They may also interact poorly with antiretrovirals if you are taking them alongside treatment. The only way you can stay healthy when living with HIV is to take antiretroviral treatment as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare professional, and to attend viral load monitoring appointments to make sure your treatment is working.;

    Also Check: When To Get Tested For Hiv

    Can You Get Hiv Through Oral Sex

    The risk of HIV from oral sex is very small unless you or your partner have large open sores on the genital area or bleeding gums/sores in your mouth.

    There is only a slightly increased risk if a woman being given oral sex is HIV-positive and is menstruating. However, you can always use a dental dam to eliminate these risks.

    Its Easy To Tell The Symptoms Of Hiv

    The symptoms of HIV can differ from person-to-person and some people may not get any symptoms at all. Without treatment, the virus will get worse over time and damage your immune system over time. There are three stages of HIV infection with different possible effects.;

    Also, you also cant tell by looking at someone whether they;have HIV or not. Many people don’t show signs of any symptoms. And, for people living with HIV who are on effective treatment, they are just as likely to be as healthy as everyone else.

    Recommended Reading: How Can Hiv Be Contracted

    Is Unprotected Anal Intercourse More Of An Hiv Risk Than Vaginal Or Oral Sex

    Unprotected anal intercourse does carry a higher risk than most other forms of sexual activity. The lining of the rectum has fewer cells than that of the vagina, and therefore can be damaged more easily, causing bleeding during intercourse. This can then be a route into the bloodstream for infected sexual fluids or blood. There is also a risk to the insertive partner during anal intercourse, though this is lower than the risk to the receptive partner.

    Can The Virus Be Transmitted Through Breastfeeding

    Real Question: Can You Get an STD from Kissing?

    Yes, HIV is present in infectious amounts in breast milk. HIV can be passed from an HIV infected mother to her baby through breastfeeding. Most HIV+ children in the Caribbean have been infected through mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

    This can be prevented when an HIV infected mother does not breastfeed her baby and uses other alternate milk recommended by her doctor. More information on HIV and pregnancy can be found here.

    Also Check: How I Found Out I Had Hiv

    How Long Does It Take For Hiv To Cause Aids

    Since 1992, scientists have estimated that about half the people with HIV develop AIDS within 10 years after becoming infected. This time varies greatly from person to person and can depend on many factors, including a persons health status and their health-related behaviors.

    Today there are medical treatments that can slow down the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system. There are other treatments that can prevent or cure some of the illnesses associated with AIDS, though the treatments do not cure AIDS itself. As with other diseases, early detection offers more options for treatment and preventative health care.

    Am I At Risk Of Becoming Infected With Hiv When Visiting The Doctor Or Dentist

    Transmission of HIV in a health care setting is extremely rare. All health professionals are required to follow infection control procedures when caring for any patient. These procedures are called Universal Precautions for infection control. They are designed to protect both patients and health care professionals from the transmission of blood borne diseases such as Hepatitis B and HIV.

    Recommended Reading: How Do Anti Hiv Drugs Work

    Can Sharing Dishes Or Drinking Glasses Spread Hiv

    Dr. Flash clears up how HIV is and is NOT spread.

    You cannot get HIV through casual contact like sharing dishes or drinking glasses, toilet seats, or holding hands. HIV is also not spread through sweat, tears, saliva, or kissing.

    The most common way HIV is spread is through unprotected sex with someone with HIV who is not aware of their status or not on antiretrovirals . Unprotected here refers to sex without condoms or the use of medications that reduce the risk of passing HIV from one person to another. HIV can also be transmitted by sharing needles.

    #AskTheHIVDoc is a video series from Greater Than AIDS featuring top HIV doctors providing answers to commonly-asked questions about HIV prevention, testing and treatment.

    This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decision.

    While we make every effort to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information reflects the most up-to-date research. Also, please note the views expressed by individuals who appear in Greater Than AIDS videos and other content are their own and are not made on behalf of any groups/organizations/associations.

    Can I Transmit Hiv To My Baby During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding

    Can you get hepatitis from kissing?

    An HIV-infected pregnant woman can pass the virus on to her unborn baby either before or during birth. HIV can also be passed on during breastfeeding. If a woman knows that she is infected with HIV, there are drugs she can take to greatly reduce the chances of her child becoming infected. Other ways to lower the risk include choosing to have a caesarean section delivery and not breastfeeding.

    Where To Get Help

    • Communicable Disease Control Unit, Department of Health Victoria Tel. 1300 651 160
    • Immunisation Unit, Department of Health, Victorian Government Email:
    • NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 606 024 for expert health information and advice
    • Heymann, D. L. , Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition, American Public Health Association, Washington.
    • Communicable Diseases Network Australia, Guidelines for the early clinical and public health management of meningococcal disease in Australia – Revised Edition 2007, Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government.
    • Blue book – Guidelines for the control of infectious diseases, , Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance , Department of Health, Victorian Government. More information here.
    • Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare , National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government. More information here.

    How Disease Is Spread

    Diseases can be spread from person to person in a number of ways:

    • Contact spread some diseases are spread directly from person to person, for example during kissing, or indirectly when you touch a contaminated surface or object.
    • Droplet spread infected droplets from the nose and throat can usually travel around one metre before they drop onto a surface. Sometimes infected droplets can also linger in the air. Infection occurs when the infected droplet is inhaled or someone comes into contact with a contaminated surface or object.
    • Airborne spread some infected particlesfrom the nose and throat can remain in the air for a long time because of their tiny size. They are called droplet nuclei and can be inhaled directly into the lungs.

    How Viral Load Affects Transmission

    For people who have HIV, your viral load is the amount of the virus that can be found in your blood.;

    “Once a virus enters your body, it uses your cells to reproduce. When it reproduces you get a high amount of the virus in your body. The viral load is how you describe the amount of virus you have in your body. The higher your viral load is, the more infectious you are,” Safo says.;

    Your viral load is at its highest at the beginning and end-stage of the virus. During these times, you are highly infectious and can easily transmit the virus to another person.;

    HIV medication is designed to lower your viral load to levels by which it becomes difficult to transmit. In some cases, your load might become so low while on medication that a test won’t be able to detect the virus.;

    If your viral load is undetectable then you can’t transmit the virus to another person. However, not everyone on HIV medication can achieve or maintain undetectable viral loads, which is why it’s advisable to continue to practice safe sex.;

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