Why it that AIDS is not spread through sharing clothes? (MUGABIRE GERLAD)
Response from Parkhurt Justin (D. Phil)
Dear Mugabire Gerlad
The HIV virus spreads through only a few specific ways. It is present in particular body fluids, including blood and fluids related to sex for men and women. It can also only be obtained with direct contact of these fluids, and not through skin contact. As such, clothing will not have the risk fluids on them, and even if a small amount does exist (if there is a small amount of blood, for example), it would probably not spread through the skin. This is why sharing clothing (and sharing other items) is not seen to be risky.
Response from Dr. Brondi Luciana
Dear Gerlad,
The reason for that is because a few conditions need to be met before
HIV transmission occurs:
- The HIV virus needs to be present in sufficient amounts in a person’s body fluid before it is transmitted. The concentration of HIV virus is very low in the sweat, tears, saliva and urine. The concentration is high in the blood or semen and in vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The virus concentration is medium in anal secretions.
- The HIV virus needs to get into the bloodstream. If you just touch the infected fluid with your healthy unbroken skin, you will not get the infection. Your skin, when healthy and intact provides a very good barrier and stops the virus from entering your body. The HIV virus can only cross this barrier if you have an open cut or wound or if it crossed through your mucous membranes (example: mouth, eyes, genitals, anus, and rectum.)
6 responses so far ↓
Keesha // September 22, 2008 at 5:30 pm |
Thank God for this Q&A. I am HIV positive with two young boys and I was so afraid of transmitting it to them through laundry and stuff like that, but thank God it is rare for that to happen.
joseph // February 27, 2009 at 1:48 pm |
Hello everyone,
The question that wories me, is that if i kiss a girl with HIV/AIDS will tha be detrimental my health or a risk to me?Because i have a friend whom i love with this virus, doing things together apart from having sex either prtective or none protective.I just want to make her happy,that’s why i am asking you to help me out.
malime micheal // May 7, 2009 at 12:55 pm |
Dear Joseph,kissing your girl friend who is HIV positive and has AIDS puts you at high risk of catching AIDS.This is because if that girlfriend develops signs of wounds on her mouth , you may stand a high chance.
However you need also to go for an HIV test. This will help to know your status.
MALIME MICHEAL
angela // May 23, 2009 at 3:32 pm |
My husband gave someone first aid at work. The person had falen and had a cut on their forehead. My husband did not touch the open wound without gloves. He did however touch the person’s shoulder. When the person informed my husband that they are HIV positive, he took his gloves off and noticed that he had gotten blood on his finger (the nail bed and cuticle). He thinks that the blood may have gotten there when he touched the person’s shoulder. I was wondering what the chances are that transmission has occurred.
He is scared that transmission may have occurred. Any inforamtion that you can provide would be greatly helpful.
KAPIL // June 19, 2009 at 10:31 am |
Hi friends,
I have habit of masturbating by using someone else clothes(panty or bra) and by rubbing in my penis.Will i get HIV if the cloth is contains semen and its not dried.
KAPIL // July 3, 2009 at 3:43 pm |
My second question is that if i rub panty of a women (containing semen and the semen has not dried) with my penis tip for ejaculation and sexual pleasure ,then will the AIDS virus go to my body from penis tip.