FAQ's
What is the risk of getting HIV from oral sex?
What is the risk of getting HIV from giving or receiving a blood transfusion?
How long does the virus survive outside of the body?
Can a person who is HIV positive still have safe sex?
What should I do if there is an accident involving blood?
What is Safe Sex?
What is the risk of getting HIV from oral sex?
The risk of getting HIV from oral sex is very low. Oral sex is only a risk if there is the possibility of HIV positive blood, HIV positive semen, or HIV positive vaginal fluid coming directly into contact with another person's blood. If you swallow blood, semen or vaginal fluids the gastric juices and stomach acids will destroy the virus. However, if there are bleeding sores in the mouth, gum disease, or cut lips, for example, there is a theoretical possibility of transmission.
What is the risk of getting HIV from giving or receiving a blood transfusion?
As a clean needle is used for each blood donor, giving blood is completely safe. All blood donated at Australian blood banks are thoroughly screened for HIV. Any blood that shows traces of HIV antibodies is destroyed. Because of this, receiving a blood transfusion from the Australian blood supply is considered safe. No one has contracted HIV through receiving a blood transfusion since screening began in 1985.
How long does the virus survive outside of the body?
HIV is very fragile. Unlike some other viruses (e.g. hepatitis C), HIV will not survive outside the body for very long. As soon as it leaves the body and is exposed to air, the virus will start to die, particularly if there is only a small quantity of blood, semen or vaginal fluid involved. Soap and water, shaving cream and ordinary disinfectants will certainly kill the virus if they come into contact with infected body fluid.
Can a person who is HIV positive still have safe sex?
Of course. That is what ‘safe sex' is all about. Any sexual practice not involving the exchange of blood, semen or vaginal fluids is considered safe. If a condom and water-based lubricant is used properly during vaginal or anal intercourse, the chance of contracting HIV is tiny.
Can we share needles and syringes?Sharing or re-using syringes and needles (‘fits') is not safe and therefore not recommended. Clean fits are available from Needle and Syringe Programs (‘needle exchange') outlets. They can also be bought at some chemists for a small cost. By far the best thing to do is to keep clean fits handy at all times. It is not an offence to
What should I do if there is an accident involving blood?
If you are ever required to give first aid, or if there is an accident involving blood, you should treat all blood as if it were infectious. To protect yourself, standard infection control precautions should always be followed:
- wear disposable gloves
- wash the relevant surface with disinfectant (ordinary household bleach is adequate)
- cover open cuts or sores with a water proof bandage
- dispose of waste matter (rags, soiled paper, etc.) in a sealed plastic bag
- wash and dry soiled towels, clothes and linen as normal
What is Safe Sex?
Safe sex is any sexual activity that does not allow the transmission of blood, cum, or vaginal fluid from one person to another.
Safe sex includes: using condoms (and plenty of water based lubricant) when you fuckcuddling, hugging, kissing, massage, body rubbing masturbating yourself or somebody else (as long as you don't use cum or vaginal fluids as a lubricant)