HIV Management

How HIV is Spread

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is present in the blood and genital secretions of almost all people who suffer with the disease, so it is able to spread when these liquids come into contact with breaks in skin or certain tissues such as the lining of the mouth, anus, eyes or vagina. Therefore, sexual contact is the most common reason for the spread of HIV, as well as sharing needles or transmission from mothers to babies during pregnancy, labor or breastfeeding.

In order to best avoid the spread of HIV partners should remain abstinent until they are sure they are not infected. HIV can take up to 6 months to show through in tests. Otherwise, protection using condoms for sex and oral sex can protect against the spread, or a dental dam to prevent secretions of the vagina from passing into the mouth during oral sex. Kissing will not spread the disease unless there are open sores in the mouth, and saliva does not spread HIV itself. However, items that can cause bleeding such as razors or toothbrushes should never be shared, as blood contains large amounts of the virus.

If You Have Been Exposed to HIV-Infected Secretions

There is a risk of infection for each exposure to the secretions of an HIV-infected person. For anal sex, this risk is around 3-5%, less for vaginal sex without a condom, and less again for oral sex. However, infection can still occur after one sexual encounter so you must always protect yourself from this risk.

If you have become infected with HIV you will probably test positive within 2 to 6 weeks. However, this can take up to 6 months to show up on a test. In the time after infection most will experience a flu like illness for several weeks.

Managing HIV Infection

There is no evidence of an available cure for HIV infection. Therapy will reduce the effects of the virus, but can produce side effects after long-term use of the drugs. It is also possible for resistance to develop against certain drugs.