Saturday 9 November 2019

Shared HIV+


HIV infection is spread through exchange of semen, vaginal fluid and blood. Other body fluids like saliva, sweat, tears etc are non infective, unless they are contaminated with blood. Razors can be contaminated with small amounts of blood from the micro-abrasions caused during shaving or even from frank cuts and nicks. These can transmit HIV. Toothbrushes similarly can be contaminated with blood from micro injuries caused during brushing. Syringes and needles that have been used on HIV positive persons can transmit the virus. Blood stained linen and clothing can also potentially transmit HIV if handled by another person with bare skin.There are several other factors which affect transmission of the virus like viral load, amount of blood on the object, etc. So it may be that individuals may not contract the infection despite use of these shared objects. However, it is better to be safe. Sharing utensils, towels, clothes, soap, or any object that is not contaminated with blood, semen or vaginal fluids _will not_ transmit HIV.

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