2 Responses to “HIV spreads only through IV's ?”

1. admin says:

   September 6 at 9:30 pm

   On 17 Dec 2002 08:02:42 -0800, cvk_…@rediffmail.com (vicky) wrote:
   

   >Hello all,
   >             Does AIDS spreads only if a needle enters the veins (i.e
   >only when IV injection is being given through a HIV contaminated
   >needle ???)

   No. AIDS doesn’t spread. However, the virus, HIV (human
   immunodeficiency virus) can be transmitted through an infected needle
   or syringe. It is also transmitted sexually, particularly through
   heterosexual intercourse (penis in vagina) and through anal
   intercourse (penis in anus).

   >If HIV contaminated needle is pierced casually on thigh does that
   >person get infected with HIV??

   It is possible.

   >For how long does the virus survive in open air ??

   There are conflicting results suggesting a few days to a few hours. It
   can survive in dried blood for a while. It depends on the situation.

                   George M. Carter
2. admin says:

   September 6 at 9:30 pm

   cvk_…@rediffmail.com (vicky) wrote in message <news:fd3fe14a.0212170802.5a670387@posting.google.com>…
   > Hello all,
   >              Does AIDS spreads only if a needle enters the veins (i.e
   > only when IV injection is being given through a HIV contaminated
   > needle ???)

   > If HIV contaminated needle is pierced casually on thigh does that
   > person get infected with HIV??

   It’s possible. However, the reason that IV injections are the most
   efficient way to contract HIV is that drug users first mix the drug
   with their own blood before injecting. The needle is then filled with
   blood when the next person uses the needle. This does not happen when
   you’re casually scratched by a needle.

   I’d say that it’s possible to contract HIV by scratching with a dirty
   needle, so I suggest to get tested immediately after the accident. Get
   a second test after three months to determine if you’re really
   exposed. If the needle was used on an HIV positive person, some
   physicians may provide you with medication (PEP; post-exposure
   prophylaxis). Note that the time between possible exposure and the
   start of PEP treatment should be less than 24-48 hours.

   > For how long does the virus survive in open air ??

   RNA viruses have a very limited lifespan in open air and generally do
   not survive.

   Frank