Ok so let's get down to the nitty gritty here. Let's get real with talking about the basics of HIV and AIDS. We will start with HIV. Here are the most common questions I've gotten in the field, young and old alike....
What exactly is it?
HIV stands for Human Immuno-deficiency virus. It's a virus that only affects humans. You can only get it from another human being and it can only be passed between human beings. You cannot get/give HIV to/from animals. There is no vaccine and no cure (at the moment).
How do you get it?
You can be exposed to HIV when any of your mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, vaginal opening, tip of penis, anal opening) or any openings/cuts in your body are exposed to the following fluids of another human being- male or female:
What do I have to do to avoid it altogether. Or tell me who to avoid. I don't want to get it.
The only way to avoid contracting HIV is by never having sex, ever. Never having a blood transfusion at any point in your life, never working near or with blood or bodily fluids that can transmit HIV, and quite frankly never being born. I quite honestly hate this question when I get asked it, no offense to anyone who has asked it or ever will ask it. It's a perfectly understandable question to ask about HIV. It's more important to understand how you can get it, so you can make your own life decisions on how to avoid it, or better protect yourself from the virus. Being careful to remain abstinent until you are ready to start making good decisions on whom you have sex with, is extremely important. When you do decide to start having sex, using condoms every time is smart.
Do condoms really protect me?
Yes. Condoms work when used properly. They must be put on before any sexual fluids are exchanged- including pre-cum.
Can I get it from a toilet seat?
No. However, if you rub any of your mucous membranes (as listed above) on the surface of the toilet where the 4 body fluids that are capable of transmitting HIV are present, then possibly. No licking toilets.
Can I get it from sharing a toothbrush?
No. not unless there is blood exchanged and that person whom you are sharing said toothbrush has HIV.
I'm married, I'm not at risk. right?
WRONG. Unfortunately, we have seen a huge increase in HIV rates in the over 40 year old population and in those who are married, because of this false sense of security within a married relationship. It's always important to be communicating with your partner, and even if you've been married for years, get an HIV test (and full STD screen) every year (males and females). If you do test positive for HIV, you want to catch it as early as possible.
Have a question? Email us! irchiv@gmail.com We would love to answer it, or find the answer for you, and post it up here on the blog. All questions will remain anonymous. Your name or email will never be published. More "Common Questions" to come.....
What exactly is it?
HIV stands for Human Immuno-deficiency virus. It's a virus that only affects humans. You can only get it from another human being and it can only be passed between human beings. You cannot get/give HIV to/from animals. There is no vaccine and no cure (at the moment).
How do you get it?
You can be exposed to HIV when any of your mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, vaginal opening, tip of penis, anal opening) or any openings/cuts in your body are exposed to the following fluids of another human being- male or female:
- blood
- male sexual fluids (semen)
- female sexual fluids (vaginal fluids)
- breast milk
What do I have to do to avoid it altogether. Or tell me who to avoid. I don't want to get it.
The only way to avoid contracting HIV is by never having sex, ever. Never having a blood transfusion at any point in your life, never working near or with blood or bodily fluids that can transmit HIV, and quite frankly never being born. I quite honestly hate this question when I get asked it, no offense to anyone who has asked it or ever will ask it. It's a perfectly understandable question to ask about HIV. It's more important to understand how you can get it, so you can make your own life decisions on how to avoid it, or better protect yourself from the virus. Being careful to remain abstinent until you are ready to start making good decisions on whom you have sex with, is extremely important. When you do decide to start having sex, using condoms every time is smart.
Do condoms really protect me?
Yes. Condoms work when used properly. They must be put on before any sexual fluids are exchanged- including pre-cum.
Can I get it from a toilet seat?
No. However, if you rub any of your mucous membranes (as listed above) on the surface of the toilet where the 4 body fluids that are capable of transmitting HIV are present, then possibly. No licking toilets.
Can I get it from sharing a toothbrush?
No. not unless there is blood exchanged and that person whom you are sharing said toothbrush has HIV.
I'm married, I'm not at risk. right?
WRONG. Unfortunately, we have seen a huge increase in HIV rates in the over 40 year old population and in those who are married, because of this false sense of security within a married relationship. It's always important to be communicating with your partner, and even if you've been married for years, get an HIV test (and full STD screen) every year (males and females). If you do test positive for HIV, you want to catch it as early as possible.
Have a question? Email us! irchiv@gmail.com We would love to answer it, or find the answer for you, and post it up here on the blog. All questions will remain anonymous. Your name or email will never be published. More "Common Questions" to come.....