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What precautions need to be taken to prevent HIV and AIDS?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 27, 2017
Reviewed AtJuly 10, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

What are the precautions that need to be taken to avoid HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus)?

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.

In adults, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is acquired mainly through either unprotected sex with an HIV-infected individual or through sharing of needles as in injection drug abusers (IDUs) and accidentally through needle-stick injury in a healthcare professional. In infants, breastmilk from an HIV-positive mother can transmit the infection. HIV can also pass through the placenta from an HIV-positive mother to the fetus. Kissing, handshake and other casual contact do not cause HIV. Therefore, having protected sex is a good way to prevent HIV in adults. Since sharing needles can lead to HIV, therefore, one should refrain from being a drug addict. Moreover having sex with a single partner who has sex only with you is not associated with any risk of HIV.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

How safe is it to use a shaving blade from a barber shop?

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is safe. The barber usually changes the blade for each customer. As people are more aware these days, they themselves make sure that the barber changes the blade for each customer. Also, the HIV virus quickly dies outside the body and does not survive in dried blood. Moreover, it is extremely rare and theoretical that a barber would use a blade with fresh unclotted blood on someone immediately after using it on an HIV-positive individual.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sushil Kakkar
Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Dermatology

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