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| Q1. |
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Can I have my family members and friends give blood for me ?
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Yes, you can. Like any other donated blood, the blood donated by your family members and friends will also have to be tested for HIV anti -bodies. |
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| Q2. |
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How long does the virus survive outside the body ?
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No sooner the body fluid containing the HIV virus starts to dry, 90% to 99% of the virus present becomes disabled upon drying. HIV does not survive very long outside the body. |
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| Q3. |
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Can the virus survive in someone who has died ?
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It is not surprising to find that it survives in those who have died and therefore GLOVES should be worn to prevent any contact with body secretions till the body is finally disposed off. A survey of post -mortem blood examination showed that HIV could be found in those who died depending upon the length of time between death and the examination. |
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| Q4. |
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If an infected syringe, with the blood of an HIV infected person is kept for sometime, where it can retain moisture, what are the chances of another person getting infected with the same syringe ?
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The syringe is a potential risk. It can remain infected for several days. Although the exact duration for which the virus can survive is not definitely known, but the chances are that another person can get infected by the same syringe. |
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| Q5. |
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Are drugs for AIDS treatment available ? Is there a cure ?
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There are drugs to treat some of the infections that result from the damaged immune system. There is a new classification of drugs that brings the viral load down. This allows improvement of the immune system but these drugs are expensive and with very nominal access to common man. There are side effects. So cateful monitoring is required. The fact remains that there is no cure for AIDS. |
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| Q6. |
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Are condoms effective ?
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Yes, because they reduce the risk of STD/RTI and HIV infection during sex. For condoms to be effective, the user must
- Store the condom in a cool dry place, away from the sun.
- Use a new condom for every sexual act.
- Examine each condom before using it.
- Put on the condom making sure that it is completely unrolled, before any genital contact.
- If a lubricant is used, it should be water based, oil based lubricants weaken the condoms.
- Leave enough space at the tip of the condom for the semen to collect.
- Withdraw before the erection is lost. Hold the base of the condom tightly against the penis while withdrawing.”
Thus condoms will prove effective. |
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| Q7. |
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What sexual activities put a person at risk for HIV ?
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There are three types of sexual activities -
VAGINAL -- ORAL -- ANAL
And all these three activities put a person to risk, with ANAL being the most dangerous because the anus has thin tissues which after penetration break or tear easily and bleed. |
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| Q8. |
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How does homosexuality playa role in spreading AIDS ?
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Mainly by the passage of the virus through the rectal mucosa during sexual contact with an infected person when no condom is used. And, above all, having anal sex is the riskiest sexual behaviour. |
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| Q9. |
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If two healthy non-infected individuals indulge in sex, can they still be at risk of getting AIDS ?
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No, to get AIDS one must have contact with an HIV -infected person. |
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| Q10. |
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Can I get AIDS by kissing on the cheeks ?
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No, this is very safe and is called dry kissing too. Even if the kissing on the cheeks is performed by an HIV infected person or the person being kissed is HIV infected, in both cases your skin is a good protector. |
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| Q11. |
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Can I get AIDS from deep, wet or open mouth kissing ?
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There is a possibility of blood contact during prolonged kissing as there can be bleeding gums or bleeding blisters in the mouth of both partners. |
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| Q12. |
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Can I get AIDS by someones saliva ?
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There is no such evidence or documented case of saliva transmitting HIV. Research suggests
that it is highly unlikely. |
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| Q13. |
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Can I get AIDS by touching the tears of someone with AIDS ?
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There is no evidence yet. Tests are being performed by researchers. |
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| Q14. |
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Can I become HIV infected from a common toilet seat ?
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For this to happen there would have to be fresh HIV infected blood on the toilet seat in contact with breaks on the skin or genital organs of the user, which is highly unlikely. |
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| Q15. |
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Can I get AIDS from a mosquito bite or any other insect bite ?
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No, as mosquitoes do not carry enough blood on their suckers to infect anyone else they bite. They do not possess the virus in their saliva. Once inside a mosquito, the virus lives |
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| Q16. |
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If I pick my sexual partner carefully, am I safe ?
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You cannot tell by looking or talking to a person whether or not he/she is HIV positive |
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| Q17. |
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My work place has constant health hazards as it is a hospital & even though I am on a non-medical post, my family wants me to quit because they are afraid I might get AIDS. Is this possible ?
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Why quit ? you should know the facts about HIV/AIDS and follow basic precautions for protection against body fluids. |
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| Q18. |
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Is it safe to share pierced earrings ?
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No, because they cause a tiny amount of bleeding. They should be regarded in the same way as other needles and injections. |
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| Q19. |
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Is going to the barber safe ?
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It is safe as long as disposable razor blades are used for each shave and haircut. Preferably disposable razors too should be used. The same procedure applies to the beauty parlours or saloons too. carrying your own razor & blade is the safest. |
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| Q20. |
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Is it safe to go to the dentist ?
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Yes - assuming your dentist sterilises or disinfects all equipments after each consultation. |
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| Q21. |
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When can you have sex without a condom ?
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Husband and wife can always have sex without 'a condom if both have no other sexual partners but if multiple partners are there and you have sex without a condom then even once is dangerous as you have invited risk of infection with HIV. You may be lucky the first time you escape infection but you may not be so lucky the next time. Indulging in casual sex is dangerous but casual sex without a condom is hazardous. |
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| Q22. |
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Is it safe to go to Discos, clubs, or bars ?
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Yes it is safe provided you don't indulge into activities where high risk is involved. You may meet people who are in these places every day and they indulge in sexual activities such as having casual sex. These casual sex partners may be HIV infected. Excessive drinking of alcohol and taking of other drugs can cloud your thinking and you may do things you should not be doing by losing control and land up into becoming HIV infected.
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| Q23. |
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Supposing I feel I may be infected with HIV then what should I do ?
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Why should you feel that way if you have not had unprotected sex or have not gone through any blood transfusion or have not been an IV drug user ? but if any of these have been a part of your life then consult your physician on getting tested for HIV and counselling. The testing and counselling can be kept confidential if you so wish. |
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| Q24. |
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If I come to know of someone who has HIV or AIDS then what should I do ?
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You will not panic because there is no fear. People with HIV appear very normal and healthy for a long time. They are apart of our society. They also want to be treated as normal people. The main thing to be taken care of is the confidentiality. Do not spread the news of his or her HIV status. You are quite safe as casual contact does not cause HIV. You will have to learn to live with people with HIV or AIDS. You need to be patient, understanding, non-judgmental with no prejudice and rejection. |
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| Q25. |
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Are tattoos safe ?
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No, unless properly sterilized instruments are used for tattooing. |
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| Q26. |
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Can acupuncture cause AIDS ?
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Not if the needles are sterilized well or discarded each time. |
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| Q27. |
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While walking on a street, working together or meeting people, can I make out an HIV infected person ?
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No, as they do not show any symptoms visible to the naked eye till HIV infection turns into AIDS. |
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| Q28. |
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Can rape cause HIV infection ?
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Yes - provided the rapist is HIV infected or the person being raped is HIV infected. |
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| Q29. |
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They say,"Don't use drugs, as drugs cause AIDS". What drugs cause AIDS ?
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It is not the drugs that cause AIDS, it is the syringes and needles through which drugs are injected in the body, that cause HIV infection and AIDS. Also under the influence of drugs your thinking is clouded and..."
- "The mistakes committed are later regretted."
as you may expose yourself to risk. |
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| Q30. |
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If an HIV infected person cooks for me, can I eat that food ?
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Yes - it is safe to eat that food. |
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| Q31. |
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Can I share food with an HIV infected person ?
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Yes - there is no risk in sharing food with an HIV infected person in the same plate ? |
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| Q32. |
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If I have to live with someone who is HIV positive then what precautions should I take ?
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Avoid contact with the person's blood or other body fluids possibly containing blood,semen, vaginal fluid or breast milk, but you can share food, phones, dishes, clothes, bathrooms as these are safe. |
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| Q33. |
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If I test HIV positive does that mean I am going to die ?
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A positive test result does not mean that you -
- have already developed AIDS (a result of HIV infection).
A positive test result means that you -
- have HIV ( a virus that causes AIDS)
- will always have HIV.
- can spread HIV to others.
- May live for a very long period of time.
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| Q34. |
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How long do babies with AIDS live ?
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They have a short span of life. |
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| Q35. |
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Is AIDS changing people's sexual behaviour ?
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Certain evidences suggest that some people are changing their sexual behaviour to reflect on what they have learnt about safer sex, but many people are still not doing what they should be doing and that is where it is felt that still more and more awareness needs to be spread. |
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| Q36. |
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Can my child catch HIV from another child at school ?
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It is very highly unlikely but chances are within the senior group of children, where HIV could spread if they were injecting drugs, sharing needles and syringes or risking themselves in sexual activities. |
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| Q37. |
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Do you believe in AIDS testing before marriage ?
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An individuals background plays a major role in this respect where the conscience also is considered highly important. But how much can the conscience allow ?
- this differs from person to person. Background indicates behaviour and behaviour can be high risk behaviour
- those who are sexually active with a number of partners, same sex partners, intravenous drug users sharing needles and syringes
- such are the people who need to be tested for HIV. Their conscience needs to be strong where it can create a severe urge for getting themselves tested.
Family members also play an important roll here as they are well acquainted with each others behaviour. On the other hand, other people with a clean conscience and good behavioural nature do not require testing before marriage. It is a mutual understanding between two partners or two familes. |
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| Q38. |
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What do the term HIV and AIDS mean?
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HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS. There is no cure and a person can live a long time before showing any symptons. HIV is said to have developed into AIDS, the Aquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (a group of concurrent symptoms of disease) when the body's immune system can no longer fight infections and certain diseases. |
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| Q39. |
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Should the blood test for HIV be taken?
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Yes, if you have exposed yourself to risk.
- If improtected sex with an infected person or casual sex.
- If infected needle and syringe has been used.
- If there has been transfusion of infected blood
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| Q40. |
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How accurate, is blood testing for HIV ?
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It is now very accurate but HIV blood test needs repeating. You need to wait at least 3 months for your blood to show positive signs. The period between the showing of HIV positive sign and the blood testing is called the 'WINDOW PERIOD'. In this period transmission of HIV is possible. |
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| Q41. |
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How long should I wait before being tested for HIV ?
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Wait 3 months from the time you think you may have been infected with HIV, otherwise, you may test negative even though you are infected. This is called the 'WINDOW PERIOD' or 'WINDOW PHASE'. These tests have to be repeated. Engage yourself in no risky behaviour and get re-tested after another 3 months. If still tested negative, you probably do not have HIV. ABSTAIN FROM TAKING RISK. |
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| Q42. |
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Can I get AIDS by giving blood ?
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No. there is no danger at all in giving blood provided all the needles used are sterile or the equipment used for taking blood, is clean. Even With regular, professional blood donors, the blood should be tested for HIV each time they donate. |
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| Q43. |
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Can I get AIDS by receiving blood such as - by blood transfusion ?
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Yes, you can, if the needles used are not sterile, the equipment used in giving blood is unclean and the blood you receive is HIV positive. All donated blood should be screened before being used. |
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