There are so many stigma associated with HIV. Or you might have been wondering certain things about HIV but never had the chance to ask. These are some of the commonly asked questions on HIV:
- Can we live with a PLHIV (person living with HIV)?
Yes. HIV does NOT exist in our urine, sweat or tears, unless it has blood in it. Therefore, ordinary acts such as a kissing, sharing toilets or shaking hands does not cause transmission.
- How long can HIV live outside the body?
HIV dies quickly outside of the human body especially after exposing to air. However, it’s always reasonable to be cautious whenever handling body fluids.
- Can HIV transmit through water?
No. It is safe to go to the public swimming pool.
- Can mosquitos transmit HIV?
No. HIV is carried by a human host, so it dies quickly outside human bodies. It cannot survive in insects such as mosquitos.
- Which sexual act has the most risk for getting HIV?
Receptive anal sexual intercourse poses the highest risk out of all types of sexual activities while the least is oral sex (but still with risks).
- Can HIV be cured?
Unfortunately no. But if we can reduce the numbers of virus to our body to ‘undetectable’ (means very low that the machine is not able to detect the virus) level, then a PLHIV can have a good quality of life.
- Can I stop my medications once virus is undetectable?
Again, no. The medications are very much needed to keep the virus level to maintain at undetectable level.
- How do I reduce my risks of getting HIV?
It is better to NOT get involved in any of the risks that can lead to HIV. But if you couldn’t avoid these risks for some reason, then it is advisable to use condom properly during any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral). If you are injecting drugs, to not share needles with anyone or change to oral type drugs.
- I’m pregnant and I’m worried that I might have HIV.
Can my baby get HIV?
Yes. Your baby is at risk of getting HIV in the womb, during delivery and through breastfeeding.
Can I reduce the chances of my baby getting HIV?
Yes. Don’t waste precious time and get checked immediately. If you turn out to be positive then medications can be started straightaway. The earlier we get to reduce the level of virus in your body, the better chances for the baby. There are also medications that we will give during labour and for the baby after delivery.
- Can a PLHIV live a healthy life?
Yes. A PLHIV can live a healthy life like the rest of us. Taking daily medications is a routine similar to many other chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes.
The main rule for a PLHIV to have a healthy life is:
- To detect HIV as early as possible while your CD4 is still high.
- To start HIV medications
- To not miss taking medications
- To reduce the virus level in the body
While at the same time maintaining a healthy lifestyle with good diet and regular exercise.
This article is written for World HIV/AIDS awareness month. Dr Azwanis Abdul Hadi is a Family Medicine Specialist.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/211316-overview
- https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids
[This article belongs to The Malaysian Medical Gazette. Any republication (online or offline) without written permission from The Malaysian Medical Gazette is prohibited.]