The HIV virus only survives under the warmth and moist conditions
of human body-(can't survive in mosquitoes for instance). Apart from that, it
won't last more than a few seconds. Inside the body, it's present in significant
number in tissues and bodily fluids, but not in others.
It's not such "significantly" presence- so much so as
to infect someone else- through tears or saliva. Therefore, one can't catch
HIV on a peck or wet kiss, or by simple sneeze. As it doesn't permeate through
the skin, thus it can't be transmitted through a hug or handshake. Also, there
can't be caught on a toilet seat let alone by sharing a glass, towel or toothbrush.
Sharing toothbrush isn't a recommendable practice, as friction against gums
may induce bleeding if prone, increasing the likelihood of transmition - due
to the presence of blood and not saliva, though.
The HIV virus thrives on bodily fluids (sperm and vaginal fluid).
Nevertheless, transmission takes place when blood or secretions of someone infected
is exposed to someone else's body fluids. As for blood, it can occur though
two manners. Though blood transfusion, when blood, or byproduct employed, hasn't
been properly checked.
Moreover, when those who use injectable drugs share syringes,
for a needle always has blood remnants of all participants. Sharing makeshift
tube-like for snarling cocaine is highly risky as well, as decay caused of the
nasal septum by the drug, exposes blood vessels promoting the virus bypass.
Infection being possible through sharing septic instruments such as dental surgical,
surgical or shaving gear, piercing and manicure.
As far as sexual fluids go, transmition takes place when getting
in contact with the blood stream- only prevented by means of safer sex-cling
film or condoms.
During sexual intercourse, rubbing tissues bursts minute blood vessels in the
penis, anus and vagina, creating the right environment for infection. It occurs
in penis-vagina contact, penis-anus contact or vagina-vagina.
Given that, the HIV virus can't bypass the skin, so long as there
are no microscopic wounds or scratch-like, even though sperm or vaginal fluid
might be exposed to the skin, there's no reason for panic. Enjoy it with no
fear. In oral sex, it's also recommendable wearing condoms for fellatio or cling
film for cunnilingus. As frequently tiny mouth ulcers or chapped skin unknowingly
by the person, mostly like tooth decay and gingivitis lurk around.
Carlos Alberto Soares
Psychologist |
