How Could You Get Hiv From Contact With Blood
The risk of HIV transmission through blood comes when the person has a detectable viral load;and their blood enters another persons body or comes into contact with a mucous membrane. These are parts of the body with wet, absorbent skin such as the:
- eyes
- inside of the anus
- mouth.
Theres also a risk if blood from a person who has a detectable viral load comes into contact with a cut or broken skin, giving HIV a way through the skin and into someones bloodstream. If blood gets onto skin that isnt broken, there is no risk.
In a medical setting, its possible for HIV to be transmitted by someone accidentally cutting themselves with a blade or needle they have used to treat a person living with HIV.;
This is called a needlestick injury. The risk of being infected in this way is very low. However, if someone thinks they have been exposed to HIV through a needlestick injury, post-exposure prophylaxis may be an option.
How Do You Bring This Up To Other Current Or Potential Partners
Ideally, youll have the convo at a time and place thats private and free of interruptions.
Keep it simple and to the point, and be willing to answer their questions honestly. Let them know what youre doing about it, like taking PEP, and when youre supposed to get your results.
Be prepared that they might not be comfortable with getting intimate until you know your status, and respect their decision.
If youre gonna get busy, there are plenty of precautions you and your sexual partner can take to reduce the risk of HIV.
How Do You Get Hiv From Sex
HIV is transmitted through semen , vaginal fluid, blood, and anal mucus. During sex without a condom the bodily fluids from one person can pass into the body of their sexual partner. This can happen through the mucous membranes of the penis, vagina and rectum, or sores in the mouth and throat.
You can only get HIV from someone who is living with HIV and has a detectable viral load.
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How You Become Infected
There is HIV virus in body fluids like vaginal secretions and semen. If those fluids are present, they can enter the bloodstream of someone who doesn’t have HIV through an opening such as a mouth sore or a genital ulcer.
Your chances are higher of getting HIV if you:
- Have sores in your mouth, vagina, or penis
- Have another sexually transmitted disease
Can I Get Hiv Through Oral Sex
Here’s everything you want to know, and then some.
Back when I used to go to church camp, we school boys believed there were two types of virginities: the mouth and the penis . A good Christian could have as much oral sex as they wanted because they could still say they were a virgin without feeling guilty about it. Nowadays, oral sex is as common as a handshake. How the tides have changed.;
Oral sex is one of the most common of sexual behaviours. Its fast, easy, and way more intimate than anal or vaginal sex ;youre putting your mouth all up in their junk, if thats not intimate I dont know what is. But the more we do it, the more we wonder: can we get HIV through oral sex?
The short answer is that its highly unlikely, but not impossible.
Believe it or not, HIV is not the easiest virus to get. Its passed through blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid , rectal/vaginal fluids, and breast milk. In order for it to transmit to another person it needs to be fed into their bloodstream. The main ways it does that is through mucous membranes, needles, or blood transfusions.
Mucous membranes are found inside the rectum, vagina, penis, and mouth, but theyre mostly protected through layers of tissue, that is, unless there are tears youre unaware of, or damaged tissue in plain sight.
In fact, most researchers say that the risk of transmission is near zero.
Nonetheless there are plenty of things you can do to help lower the risk if you’re still nervous. For example:
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How The Study Worked
The study focused on HIVpositive French men who requested sperm washing from 2002 through 2011. All men were heterosexual and had a stable relationship with a female partner. All men were taking combination antiretroviral therapy.
The researchers measured virus in paired blood and semen samples from each man. The tests used to measure HIV could detect as few as 40 copies of HIV RNA per milliliter of blood and 100 copies per milliliter of semen.
In one third of the men, the researchers also used more sensitive tests to measure HIV RNA in blood and HIV DNA in blood cells. HIV DNA is the form HIV takes when resting inside cells that it infects. These sensitive tests could detect 1 copy of HIV RNA per milliliter of blood and 5 copies of HIV DNA per 150,000 blood cells.
Does Rectal Fluid Contain Hiv
In an HIV-positive person, the mucous membranes throughout the body can contain a lot of HIV. This is because these membranes are rich in immune cells, which are the cells that HIV likes to infect and replicate within. Since so much HIV replication can occur at the mucous membranes, the virus is able to enter the mucus that the membranes produce. As a result, mucus produced by an HIV-positive person can contain HIV , which can potentially be transmitted to someone else.
The mucous membranes of the rectum, and the mucus they produce , are no exception. Several studies show that HIV can be found in the rectal fluid of a person living with HIV.,,,, In fact, one study of 64 HIV-positive men found that, overall, the average amount of virus in their rectal fluid was higher than in their semen and blood.
Why might rectal fluid contain more HIV than other bodily fluids? It turns out that the majority of the immune cells in the body ;including the cells that are a major target for HIV are located in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the rectum. There are a lot of immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract because it has a very large surface area. Also, a large number of immune cells are needed to help to protect the gut from the foreign germs in our food and to control the growth of the friendly germs living in our gut.
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Stay On Top Of Medications Including Art Prep And Pep
There are a few medications available that can help prevent the transmission of HIV:
- ART. A person living with HIV may take antiretroviral therapy, or ART, to help them stay healthy and prevent the transmission of HIV. Most people who take it as prescribed can lower their viral load to an undetectable level.
- PrEP. This is a drug that someone who is HIV-negative can take to lower the risk of contracting HIV by as much as 99 percent .
- PEP. This is a drug regimen that can help reduce the risk of HIV after a possible exposure when started within 72 hours.
Can You Get Hiv From A Blood Transfusion
Receiving a blood transfusion or other products made from blood is safe in the UK as all blood products have been screened for infections such as HIV since 1985.
In countries that dont have strict checks on the safety of their blood supply, receiving contaminated blood can pass the virus on. This can also happen in countries that dont screen other blood products, organs or sperm.
Giving blood has never been a risk.
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How Is Hiv Transmitted
HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another through:
- Blood
- Vaginal secretions
- Breast milk
Blood contains the highest concentration of the virus, followed by semen, followed by vaginal fluids, followed by breast milk.
* Activities That Allow HIV Transmission
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Direct blood contact, including injection drug needles, blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings or certain blood products
- Mother to baby
Sexual intercourse : In the genitals and the rectum, HIV may infect the mucous membranes directly or enter through cuts and sores caused during intercourse . Vaginal and anal intercourse is a high-risk practice.
Oral sex : The mouth is an inhospitable environment for HIV , meaning the risk of HIV transmission through the throat, gums, and oral membranes is lower than through vaginal or anal membranes. There are however, documented cases where HIV was transmitted orally, so we cant say that getting HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluid or blood in the mouth is without risk. However, oral sex is considered a low risk practice.
Sharing injection needles: An injection needle can pass blood directly from one persons bloodstream to another. It is a very efficient way to transmit a blood-borne virus. Sharing needles is considered a high-risk practice.
The following bodily fluids are NOT infectious:
- Saliva
Sperm May Play Leading Role In Spreading Hiv
- Date:
- Rockefeller University Press
- Summary:
- Sperm, and not just the fluid it bathes in, can transmit HIV to macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells , researchers report. By infecting DCs, which carry the virus and potently pass it to T cells, sperm may play a leading role in spreading HIV.
Sperm, and not just the fluid it bathes in, can transmit HIV to macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells , report a team led by Ana Ceballos at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. By infecting DCs, which carry the virus and potently pass it to T cells, sperm may play a leading role in spreading HIV.
The article appears in the November 23, 2009 issue of the Journal of Experimental Medicine .
During sexual intercourse, HIV-infected men transmit HIV through their semen, which carries free-floating virus as well as HIV-infected leukocytes. Traces of HIV have been detected on sperm as well, but the role they play in viral transmission has been a matter of debate. After all, men with vasectomies can transmit HIV. Now, Ceballos et al. show that HIV attaches to the surface of sperm and that these HIV carriers pass on the virus to DCs and other HIV targets.
Sperm express molecules known to interact with HIV’s envelope, such as heparan sulfate and mannose receptors. The authors show that HIV relies on heparan sulfate to attach to sperm, but not mannose receptors as previously predicted.
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Symptoms Of Hiv Stage 1
Even though the initial or the origin of HIV AIDS infection does not showcase severe repursions, there are still systematic analyses to figure out the chances of HIV infection in the body. HIV is the first stage of overall HIV AIDS stages and the first stage also showcases some symptoms if one is alert and observative.;
Acute HIV Infection results in fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, etc.
The initial stage symptoms are generally bearable and look like normal body diseases that most of the victims are able to think are no result of infection but simply body diseases and attempt to cure them with simple medications or simply leave them until they disappear.
Do Condoms Stop Hiv Being Passed On
Yes.Using a condom correctly prevents contact with semen or vaginal secretions , stopping HIV from being passed on. The virus cannot pass through the latex of the condom.
Condoms should only be used with a water-based lubricant;as oil-based lube weakens them.
People with HIV who are on effective treatment and have an undetectable viral load cannot pass on HIV through any of their body fluids.
Its also important to remember that if you have sex without a condom other sexually transmitted infections ;can be passed on.
Sex without a condom can also result in pregnancy if other contraception is not being used.
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Can Hiv Pass From Mothers To Their Babies
Infection can pass from pregnant women living with HIV to their babies in the womb and during birth. Taking HIV medications during pregnancy and childbirth dramatically lowers the risk of a baby becoming infected with HIV.
After birth, transmission can occur through breast milk. The highest risk may be in the early months after birth. It is recommended that new mothers who are living with HIV formula-feed their babies rather than breast-feed.
If you are a woman living with HIV and you intend to become pregnant, or you find out that you have during your pregnancy, talk to your provider immediately about ways to minimize the chances that your baby will become infected, too.
Hiv And Maternal Transmission
HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or through breastfeeding. If left untreated throughout these stages, there is a 15-45% chance of an HIV positive mother transmitting the virus to their child . However there are treatment options to prevent this from happening.
If pregnancy occurs and there has been potential HIV exposure, ask a healthcare provider about getting tested for HIV as early as possible. Taking medications called antiretroviral therapy as prescribed can reduce the viral load so that the baby has a very low chance of contracting HIV .
A person with HIV should not breastfeed their child, as breast milk can transmit HIV. Even if a person is taking ART and their viral loads are undetectable, they should still not breastfeed.
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You Took Pep Afterward
If you started it in the first 72 hours after the experience and continued to take it as directed, your chances of contracting HIV are slim.
How likely is this generally?
Even just the tip can expose you to HIV. It may not be as risky as, say, full-on anal or vaginal penetration with ejaculation, but its still risky.
Opt for oral for lower risk pleasure or use a condom.
How Is Hiv Spread Through Sex
You can get infected from sexual contact with someone who has HIV. Sexual contact that can transmit HIV includes:
- vaginal sex
- anal sex
- oral sex
If you have sex, the best thing you can do to prevent HIV infection is practice “safer sex” with any partner who is not proven to be HIV negative . To do so, always use protection–this could include using a condom, dental dam, or other latex barrier, and/or PrEP . It is also important to avoid “rough sex” or other activities that might cause bleeding. If you use lube with a condom, make sure it is water-based, not oil-based. Oil-based lube causes latex condoms to break. See more tips for using condoms; note that, if used correctly and consistently, condoms also protect against other sexually transmitted infections and against pregnancy.
If you have unprotected sex with someone who is infected, it doesn’t mean that you will be infected, too. But there is always a chance, especially if your partner is not on effective HIV medicines. Using condoms and PrEP reduces your risk.
HIV is NOT spread by:
- hugging or massage
- sex toys you don’t share
- daily living with someone who has HIV
For more information, see Sex and Sexuality in the Daily Living section.
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What Is The Role Of Sperm In The Transmission Of Hiv Viral
Written by Mansi Kohli | Updated : January 18, 2017 10:49 AM IST
I am a 22-year-old woman from Delhi. I was in a relationship with somebody who did not disclose his HIV status till we had decided to have sex. Is it possible to get HIV from semen during the pre-cum stage?
Dr. Shelly Singh, Sr. Consultant Gynaecologist, Primus Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi answers the query.
Even though the role of sperm in the transmission of HIV viral has been a matter of great debate; HIV getting infected through semen is one of the most common way of transmission. During the pre-cum stage, if a man s penis produces semen during a sexually excited phase, then also it can have HIV in it. Hence, even if the man pulls out of his partner before he ejaculates, he might leave pre-cum inside his partner further aggravating the risk of HIV. In women, the virus is mostly found in the vaginal secretion. If the vaginal body fluid comes in the contact with a man s penis during sex, then HIV can be transmitted through the delicate skin of his penis or foreskin. Taking in your partner s ejaculation, in the form of cum or pre-cum, in your mouth is most likely to cause HIV.
Other Types Of Transmission
In the past, HIV was spread by transfusion with blood products, such as whole blood or the “factor” used by hemophiliacs. Many people acquired HIV this way. The blood supply is now much more strictly tested and controlled in most countries. The odds of acquiring HIV from receiving blood or blood factor in countries like the US, the UK, and Canada are extremely low. For example, statistics from the US show that a person is more likely to be killed by a lightning strike than they are to acquire HIV from a blood transfusion. However, not every country screens all blood donations for HIV.
It is also possible to get HIV from skin grafts or transplanted organs taken from people living with HIV. Again, the risk is considered very low, as these “body products” must be strictly tested in the same way as blood products. Semen donations collected by sperm banks for artificial insemination are also considered “bodily products” and rigorously tested in high-resource countries. Private semen samples that are not processed by sperm banks or similar organizations may not have been tested. It is important for anyone receiving a private donor’s sperm for artificial insemination to have the donor tested for HIV.
If you are getting breast milk from a milk bank, it is important to ask if the bank tests the milk for HIV. Also, if your baby is getting breast milk from a wet nurse, it is important to make sure that she tests negative for HIV before giving her milk to your baby.
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