How Do You Get Aids?

[Idle Mind]

Lateralus,

Assuming that the people here don't have access to a current virology or medical microbiology textbook, why don't you use your knowledge of the subject and correct the glaring flaws with correct and detailed info. I know you are referring to me whe you say

and that AIDS can be caused by other viruses is also truely outragous.

but I did not once say that any other virus can cause AIDS. I was simply under the impression (I have no idea where I got the idea from) that since AIDS is in actuality a group of symptoms resulting from a depressed immune system, that it could have other causes. I was corrected, and I retract my statement. Should I edit my post?

 

[Prince_James]

Lateralus:

"Intervention and Reflection - Basic Issues in Medical Ethics" by Ronald Munson, references a WTO study which included findings on breastmilk transmission of HIV.

 

[valich]

Wings above had the most direct reply by stating that the HIV "virus comes in contact with the mucosal surface and finds susceptible T cells, the first site at which there is truly massive production of the virus is lymphoid tissue. This leads to a burst of massive viremia, with wide dissemination of the virus to lymphoid organs."

But this still does not answer the initial question from mumbaikaraja, i.e. "How do you get HIV." Yes, HIV may develop into AIDS, especially depending on the susceptibility of your immune system. But who wants it to begin with!!!

Direct blood transfusion from a donor who has HIV is the most direct cause. Intravenous drug use among one drug user with HIV who then lets the other user use the same needle seems to be the next direct way to transmit. I think - but not sure - that all mothers with HIV pass it onto their children when they are pregnant. So a direct blood link is the clearest way. But gay people can transmit it through oral and anal sex? I don't know how this happens, but it must be because these are also "mucosal surfaces." WINGS? Any input here? I've never heard of a person getting HIV through kissing?

 

[Pete]

Because, once again, AIDS and HIV are considered essentially the same thing throughout most the world, for HIV does lead to AIDS, and the only way to get AIDS is through HIV. Technicality is not needed.

There is a vital difference that shows the need for the distinction - you can get HIV (and consequently develop AIDS) from a person who doesn't have AIDS.

When the HIV/AIDS distinction is blurred, then there are two possible manifestions, with different consequences:

1) If someone thinks that "AIDS" means being infected with the HIV virus, with or without symptoms, then I don't think it *really* matters, except in the broader dumbed-down-population context.

2) But if someone thinks that "infected with HIV" means having AIDS - ie has actual symptoms of AIDS, then this is serious because they may place themselves and others in danger through ignorance - eg "I don't have symptoms of AIDS, therefore I'm not infected or infectious", or "He doesn't have AIDS, therefore I can't catch it off him."

 

[Wings]

I believe that is an excellent summation Pete. Valich, I have heard of HIV+ women having children without HIV. This is because the mother doesn't actually transfer blood to her child (this is why mothers with A blood can have B blood babies). Nutrients and oxygen travel across a very thin membrane. There are also drugs that women can take to lessen the chance of transmission, but I don't know they're effectiveness.

 

[valich]

Yeah, that's very interesting Wings, and plausible: difference in blood types. Do we have any research or facts? Certainly would like to know. But why do people get HIV from oral and anal sex???

 

[567]

Yeah, that's very interesting Wings, and plausible: difference in blood types. Do we have any research or facts? Certainly would like to know. But why do people get HIV from oral and anal sex???

Interesting and how about breast milk like? the oringal poster questioned? and how much or does it take a drop? or if u have sex only once with a person? or if u continue doing it for a long period of time? or just one quickie? etc etc?

 

[valich]

I don't know why you are quoting me on this as "I" am also asking Wings or anyone else out there basically the same question that you are? Don't know.

But yes, we do know as a fact that you can get HIV if you have unprotected sex just one time and even if its just a quickie because you're exchanging HIV-laden mucous material between you and that partner. This is one way of getting HIV, herpes, and other sexually transmittable diseases. In the case of herpes, it depends on if the other person's scar tissue is having an "outbreak" or not and excreting the herpesvirus into the fluids being exchanged during sex.

 

[gregga]

Yeah, that's very interesting Wings, and plausible: difference in blood types. Do we have any research or facts? Certainly would like to know. But why do people get HIV from oral and anal sex???

Anal sex, and to a lesser degree, vaginal sex, result in micro-tearing of the vagina, anus, and sometimes the penis. HIV can then enter the bloodstream. This is why woman and gays are particularly at risk: they're more likely to have open, if very tiny, tears that HIV can enter.

Some studies suggest recent studies prove that it's unlikely that oral sex can result in HIV infection, but these are rare and with rather small test groups (it's hard to find monogamous couples with one person HIV+, the other HIV-, that don't engage in vaginal or anal sex). If it is possible to contract HIV through oral sex, it probably manages to survive the acid your stomach and get in through your intestines.

 

[valich]

HIV can be transmitted through breast milk but it is not a direct blood connection as it is between a mother and an unborn child. Breast milk is made from the mother's mammary glands and is a lipid. The milk ducts contain mostly white blood cells, while there are many more red blood cells in the placenta of a mother that can pass the virus directlty to the the developing embryo (the fetus).

I am being put in contact with someone who has considerable expertise in this field and will post what they have to say in a couple or few days, so if anyone else has any specific questions that you would like me to ask them, feel free to post the questions and I will try to get more answers.

 

[valich]

Hi! Unfortunately the immunologist scientist that I was put in contact with seems to be preoccupied with other matters to answer a lot of the questions that have been asked on this forum. Instead, however, I contacted the Center for Disease Control and asked them. Below is what I found out:

First, anyone can access the Center for Disease Control either by going to their website at www.cdc.gov and then usung their A-Z list to get information about HIV. Or, you can also call them - anonymously, as I did - at 1-800-342-2437 and they have specialists on duty that can access their own more-comprehensive database to see what research has been done in a specific area of concern. They are very polite, friendly, and informative.

HIV is passed by semen, presemenal fluid, blood, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.

Even with oral sex there is a high probabilty of contracting HIV, for both males and females, because the semen or vaginal fluid is absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth even before it gets down to your stomach. So it is not true that the stomach acids kill the virus before it is absorbed.

It's unlikely, but possible, to get HIV from kissing depending on the intensity and type of kissing, for instance, like French kissing - deep and prolonged. When I questioned the specialist about this she said that it was because of the greater risk of breaking open a membrane lining within the mouth, but it is not transmittable directly through saliva.

You cannot get HIV through mosquito bites or other insects. Despite intensive research on this, even in areas of high HIV populations, mosquitos do not transmit HIV because they do not release any of the blood from the previous victim they injested it from and it exists only for a short time in their interior.

Likewise, when blood, semen, or vaginal secretions are placed on surfaces outside of the body, the virus still exists in the fluid, but not for a prolonged period of time. The specialist had no data on exactly how long it stays active and alive.

You cannot get HIV from masturbating, although it is possible to get HIV from masturbating with a partner if the other persons semen is placed in contact with your own semen, preseminal fluid, blood, or mucous membranes.

Finally, of course we all probably know: HIV is passed directly into your body from sharing HIV contaminated needles and syringes, and this can happen during intravenous drug use, getting a tattoo, or injecting vitamins or steroids.

 

[Fraggle Rocker]

HIV is hardly my area of expertise but as your elder it's my job to keep you young'uns healthy. I'm surprised by your casual inclusion of vaginal secretion as a source of infection. This is the first time I've seen anyone suggest that. I spent some time googling the subject and all I could come up with were the following scenarios:

1. The woman is menstruating and there is blood in her vaginal secretion.
2. The woman has just finished having intercourse with someone else and that person's semen is mixed with her vaginal secretion.

If you have a source that contradicts this, please cite it. I can't find it.

This, I would imagine, is the reason that it's commonly stated that women are at greater risk of contracting HIV through "conventional" heterosexual intercourse than men are. The exchange of fluids works against them.

 

[DwayneD.L.Rabon]

locked

 

[valich]

As your elder, pulling rank means nothing in regards to discovering the truth. What I posted above are the facts. Our government county health services department puts out a brochure, especially geared toward the education of our young'uns and their health. It specifically states that HIV is transmitted through "semen, blood, and vaginal secretions." This was further varied numerous times through my indepth discussion with one of the specialists at the United States Government Center for Disease Control (CDC), also see below. She also told: "not just semen, but also the preseminal fluid that comes out before ejaculation." They have an extensive database of most all - possibly all - research done in areas of transmittable disease. Again, anyone can call them toll-free at 1-800-342-2437.

Suprisingly to me, the CDC's website also states that the HIV virus is found in small quantities in saliva! But no proof [yet] that it can be transmitted that way:

"HIV has been found in saliva and tears in very low quantities from some AIDS patients. It is important to understand that finding a small amount of HIV in a body fluid does not necessarily mean that HIV can be transmitted by that body fluid. HIV has not been recovered from the sweat of HIV-infected persons. Contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in transmission of HIV."

"Although HIV has been transmitted between family members in a household setting, this type of transmission is very rare. These transmissions are believed to have resulted from contact between skin or mucous membranes and infected blood."

"Kissing: Casual contact through closed-mouth or "social" kissing is not a risk for transmission of HIV. Because of the potential for contact with blood during "French" or open-mouth kissing [greater risk of breaking the linings of mucous membranes in the mouth], CDC recommends against engaging in this activity with a person known to be infected. However, the risk of acquiring HIV during open-mouth kissing is believed to be very low. CDC has investigated only one case of HIV infection that may be attributed to contact with blood during open-mouth kissing."
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/facts/transmission.htm

"Can I get HIV from oral sex?

Yes, it is possible for either partner to become infected with HIV through performing or receiving oral sex. There have been a few cases of HIV transmission from performing oral sex on a person infected with HIV. While no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is, evidence suggests that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal sex.

If the person performing oral sex has HIV, blood from their mouth may enter the body of the person receiving oral sex through:

1) the lining of the urethra (the opening at the tip of the penis);
2) the lining of the vagina or cervix;
3) the lining of the anus; or
4) directly into the body through small cuts or open sores.

If the person receiving oral sex has HIV, their blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), or vaginal fluid may contain the virus. Cells lining the mouth of the person performing oral sex may allow HIV to enter their body.

The risk of HIV transmission increases:

1) if the person performing oral sex has cuts or sores around or in their mouth or throat;
2) if the person receiving oral sex ejaculates in the mouth of the person performing oral sex; or
3) if the person receiving oral sex has another sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Not having (abstaining from) sex is the most effective way to avoid HIV.

If you choose to perform oral sex, and your partner is male, use a latex condom on the penis; or if you or your partner is allergic to latex, plastic (polyurethane) condoms can be used. Studies have shown that latex condoms are very effective, though not perfect, in preventing HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently. If either partner is allergic to latex, plastic (polyurethane) condoms for either the male or female can be used. For more information about latex condoms, see "Male Latex Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases."

If you choose to have oral sex, and your partner is female, use a latex barrier (such as a natural rubber latex sheet, a dental dam or a cut-open condom that makes a square) between your mouth and the vagina. A latex barrier such as a dental dam reduces the risk of blood or vaginal fluids entering your mouth. Plastic food wrap also can be used as a barrier.

If you choose to perform oral sex with either a male or female partner and this sex includes oral contact with your partners anus (analingus or rimming), use a latex barrier (such as a natural rubber latex sheet, a dental dam or a cut-open condom that makes a square) between your mouth and the anus. Plastic food wrap also can be used as a barrier."
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/faq/faq19.htm

If you would like more information or have personal concerns, call CDC-INFO 24 Hours/Day at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), 1-888-232-6348 (TTY).

The General Information HIV/AIDS website is at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv

 

[squishysponge]

As a virology graduate i'm slightly concerned by some of the opinions expressed here. Shocking stuff i suggest that if your in any doubt about how u 'can catch AIDS' i suggest looking up the HIV-1 virus in a current virology or medical microbiology textbook and ignore most of the highly inaccurate information posted in this forum. Leave this to a informed medical person

Comments that the HIV-1 virus can be contracted via breastmilk, urine etc is just rediculous and that AIDS can be caused by other viruses is also truely outragous.

Actually thats a very shallow perception of possibility and understanding. HIV can most certainly be transmitted through breastmilk or urine. Any bodily fluid is capable of transmission. You are assuming that the hiv positive individual has fully functional and perfect organs and organ function but that is rarely the case, even for perfectly healthy hiv negative individuals. Anyone can have slight bursts of blood vessels or cysts or whatever that can contaminate breastmilk and urine with blood and hense the ability to transmit hiv through those means.

 

[Happeh]

You get AIDS from your doctor. It is a disease by diagnosis. HIV not only is not a pathogen, it's not a virus.

And masturbation and excessive sex are two of the leading causes for the depetion of the energy of the body that eventually leads to actual full blown sickness.

The body can no longer fight the virus because the person has squirted all their life energy away thru their penis.

 

[Happeh]

Comments that the HIV-1 virus can be contracted via breastmilk, urine etc is just rediculous and that AIDS can be caused by other viruses is also truely outragous.

Only if you belive that there are WMD in Iraq.

Or that all muslims are terrorists.

Or that the moon is made of green cheese.

 

[Buddha1]

I think you can get AIDS if a gay guy looks at you for too long, too!! And heaven forbid that he should smile or grin .......that's almost instant death in agony and horrid pain. I'm not sure about walking into the same room with a gay guy ...that could do it, too, so be veeeeerrrry careful.

Baron Max

I knew all along that underneath all that (what you guys call) 'homophobia', you were always too vulnerable to a smile by a gay man --- that you'd give in immediately to his charms and allow him to penetrate you or let yourself give him a blow-job.

Which of course is very risky as far as HIV/ AIDS is concerned!

So that is why you exercise such great control over yourself!

I'd too advise you not to go into a room full of gay guys, if you doubt your self-control!

 

[leopold]

how do you get aids? in india people beluieve that if kiss a person with aids u will get aids right away. If you dirnk in a cup or glass of aids person u get aids.

There was story about this guy who had couple of drops of lactating woman's milk and had aids because of that.

Is that all true?

i do not know much about the aids virus
but i do know it can only be spread by mixing of body fluids

that means you can't catch it by sitting on a toilet seat or using a comb

 

[Giambattista]

By being gay. At least that's what Pat Robertson told me. He's smart. God loves him!