More questions about HIV
These are some of the questions I had or have heard from other people. Maybe you or someone you know has had the same questions or ones like them.
Question: Can you still get HIV if you use a condom?
Answer: It is possible, but unlikely if you are using latex or polyurethane condoms correctly, every time you have sex. Condoms are over 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission during sex but remember, they must be used the entire time, and check that expiration date! Review how to use a male condom and a female condom.
Question: Can you can be infected with HIV by casual contact like hugging or sharing food?
Answer: This is a question I’ve heard a lot!HIV is only transmitted when someone else’s blood, semen (cum), vaginal fluid or breast milk gets into your body. It is not passed through skin to skin contact or saliva!
Question: I touched dried blood…Is that a risk?
Answer: Once HIV leaves the body it starts to weaken in the air. By the time the blood is dried the virus is dead and can’t be transmitted.
Question: I’ve heard that you can get HIV from a mosquito, is that true?
Answer: This is a really common myth about HIV. You can’t get HIV from a mosquito or any other animal or insect. Only human beings give HIV and only human beings get HIV.
Question: A friend of mine sleeps with a lot of people; does that mean they are going to get HIV?
Answer: Having multiple sex partners can increase your risk, but practicing safer sex can still protect you against HIV. Remember, you can only get HIV from somebody who already has it. So even if you’ve only had sex with one person, if they’re infected with HIV you’re at risk.
Question: Can you get HIV your first time having sex?
Answer: You can become infected your first, third, or tenth time having sex. If you’re having sex you could be at risk for HIV.Using latex or polyurethane condoms or not having sex are the best ways to protect yourself.
Question: If a guy pulls out before he cums (ejaculates), are you safe?
Answer: While this will reduce your risk, the pre-cum that comes out before ejaculation contains some virus and can spread HIV.
