HIV AIDS

Are healthcare workers at risk from HIV through contact with HIV infected patients?: They are at risk when they are in contact with blood and other body fluids.Health-care workers should follow Universal Precautions which are infection-control guidelines developed to protect health workers and their patients from exposure to diseases spread by blood and certain body fluids. Universal Precautions include, 1. Careful handling and disposal of needles and other blades, 2. Hand-washing with soap and water before and after all procedures, and 3. Use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks and goggles when in direct contact with blood and other body fluids
Does circumcision protect against HIV?: No. it doesn't mean that if you are circumcised you are immune to HIV, Circumcision only reduces the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections for sexually active males that are circumcised.
Does donating blood or having a blood transfusion mean that I am putting myself at risk from HIV?: There is no risk of contracting HIV from donating blood; they use clean and sterilized equipment and never use the same equipment for two people. The chances of getting HIV from blood transfusion are very slim because every blood that the blood services receive is screened for HIV and other infectious diseases.
How is HIV Transmitted?: There are three ways that HIV can be transmitted: 1. Body fluid (e.g. blood transfusion, being in contact with an infected blood). 2. Mother to child transmission: an HIV positive mother can pass the virus to her unborn child. 3. Sexual intercourse.
If I am HIV positive how do I continue to lead a healthy lifestyle?: You can lead a healthy lifestyle by 1. Eat healthy foods 2. Exercise regularly 3. Visiting your doctor/ clinic regular and keep your appointments. 4. Take your treatment/ARV's as prescribed by your doctor 5. Get counseling and support that can give you access to information about prevention, care and treatment options 6. If you are pregnant get information on the prevention of mother-to child transmission and advice on infant feeding
If I am taking antiretroviral drugs and have an 'undetectable' viral load, am I still infectious?: Yes you are still infectious, remember that your viral load is undetectable, the virus will not have been totally eradicated and you will still be capable of infecting others.
What if the test says I am negative?: If you are negative, make sure you stay that way.
What other screenings should I consider if I am HIV positive?: Get screening and treatment for other diseases including TB, malaria and other sexually transmitted infections.
Where is HIV found?: HIV is found in many body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
Who is at risk of contracting HIV?: 1. Anyone who is sexually active. 2. A pregnant HIV positive woman can put the unborn child at risk of contracting the virus. 3. Anyone who is exposed to body fluids e.g. health care workers.