HIV patients can now live long, healthy lives because of advancements in testing and treatment that have decreased their risk of infection. The amount of HIV in the body can reach the point where a test cannot identify it. With the help of private HIV tests, you can understand the condition of your health.
According to a reliable source, a person cannot spread the infection to another person at this stage. The patient will need to keep taking their prescription to sustain this. If not, virus titers may increase once again. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is another tool for preventing transmission. Have a look at some myths and facts about STI transmission:
Myth 1: Insects can be the reason for the transmission of STD
Fact: Insects cannot be the reason for spreading HIV and other STIs.
People could erroneously think that a bug, such as a mosquito, might bite someone who has HIV and then inject the victim’s blood into their body.
However, because mosquito DNA differs from human DNA in genetic makeup, HIV could not thrive in a mosquito. Insects also don’t reintroduce blood into a fresh victim, so they are unable to spread HIV.
Other types of immunodeficiency viruses exist, such as the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which infects cats. HIV, however, only affects people. HIV and other immunodeficiency viruses do not transfer from animals to humans.
Myth 2: HIV may transfer through contact.
Fact: Physical contact, such as handshakes, hugs, high fives, and the like, does not spread HIV.
A person can only get HIV if they come into contact with any of the following bodily fluids from an infected individual:
- Semen
- Blood
- Rectal fluids
- Vaginal fluids
- Pre-ejaculate
- Breast milk
Saliva cannot transmit HIV. For someone to be at risk of acquiring HIV, these body fluids need to come into contact with their mucous membranes, which include those in or on their mouth, rectum, vagina, or penis.
Myth 3: HIV may spread through food or water.
Fact: It’s not feasible. HIV may spread through food or water.
The virus cannot survive in water or for long outside the body. Therefore, consuming alcohol, taking a bath, swimming, or engaging in other water-related activities cannot result in an HIV infection.
Additionally, HIV does not get spread through:
- Food sharing
- Sharing bathrooms and toilets
- Contacting tears, sweat, or saliva
Myth 4: Transfusions of blood increase HIV risk.
Fact: Healthcare workers thoroughly screen the blood supply for several blood-related illnesses, including HIV, in the US and many other nations.
HIV is not present in banked blood accessible for transfusion, and organ and tissue donations cannot transmit the virus since they need to be careful tests.
Scientists had no idea what generated the virus or how to contain it when they initially identified HIV. Because of this, donated blood was not tested for HIV, which led to some infections.
Donating blood cannot expose a person to HIV since sterilised needles and other supplies are usual tasks of medical personnel.
Myth 5: HIV cannot spread via oral sex.
Fact: Although unlikely, medical practitioners believe that oral sex can transmit HIV.
Placing the mouth on a penis, vagina, or anus during oral sex may expose a person to virus-containing secretions that may penetrate their mouth’s mucous membranes.
Even though there is little chance of HIV infection from oral sex, there are still precautions one may take to lower their risk. You can prevent HIV and other diseases during oral intercourse by using a barrier method of protection like a condom or dental dam.
Myth 6: HIV cannot get spread through needle use.
Fact: A used needle can harbour HIV for up to 42 days. Sharing needles is not a safe practice.
It would help if you used a fresh needle for every injection. They should also ensure the artist uses a new needle when getting a tattoo.
Myth 7: HIV-positive couples do not need to take precautions.
Fact: There are several HIV strains, and strains can evolve. Two HIV-positive individuals in a partnership can spread their strains to one another, which medical professionals may refer to as “super-infection” Treatment may become more difficult as a result.
Nevertheless, engaging in sexual activity without the use of a condom or other barrier technique can still result in the spread of other STDs, even in cases where there is no danger of HIV transmission.
Summing Up
Since AIDS is stage 3 HIV, it won’t spread. However, there are situations in which HIV may spread to other people. Blood, semen, pre-ejaculate, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk are among the mediums via which the virus can spread.
Among the many myths surrounding HIV are the claims that mosquito bites, blood transfusions, kissing, and contact with other individuals may all spread the infection. These opinions are untrue.
There are several therapy choices available to help stop HIV from developing into AIDS. A healthcare provider can provide information on testing and preventative strategies to anybody worried they might be part of an HIV infection or another virus. Contact STI Check London to deal with health problems and get the test soon!
