How long does HIV live outside the body ?
It is important to understand how long does HIV live outside the body, as it also helps us understand why the virus does not spread from casual contact. HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and it is the one that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The virus breaks down the immune system, making it susceptible to disease attacks. The defense mechanism of the body kills the bacteria and viruses that enter the body every day. However, with a suppressed immune system, the patient begins getting infections and ailments that would not have occurred normally.
http://www.Symptoms-Causes-treatment.blogspot.com detect diseases at an early stage symptoms, and find out the causes and treatments best suited.
Usually after infection, people experience a period of slight fever, headaches, fatigue and muscular aches. There may also be a swelling of the glands under the throat, armpit or groin. There are people who may stay with the virus for more than 10 years before they start exhibiting signs of AIDS. There are some who develop the signs much earlier.
When the body’s immune system is compromised and certain illnesses start manifesting. These include:
The virus has to be embedded in a host or a live culture with a temperature of an average of 98 degree or so, to survive. Once it is outside, the body, the HIV virus does not live long; it dies within a couple of minutes as it does not have the temperature needed for its survival. Even little temperature differences and lack of oxygen can cause the virus to die.
Other viruses can go in a temporary state of shut-down, till another suitable host comes along but an HIV virus simply dies as soon as it is out of a host, the cell wall begins to give away. This is the reason why it is said HIV virus cannot be spread through a kiss or a mere contact, but only through sexual contact or shared IV needles. In case shared IV needles, especially when someone is doing drugs and sharing the blood-filled needles with another person, the virus is passed simply to the other one, without dying. Scientists have found out that HIV can survive in dried blood blood, if there is sufficient amount of room temperature, for a period of 1 to 6 days.
There has not been a single case of HIV being spread through casual touch, as the HIV does not live outside the body. So, if you share a soap that has been used by an HIV infected person, there is no risk unless you have an open wound which may be a risk. Once the virus is exposed to air, it effectively dies.
Most people say that you should abstain from sex with an untested partner. You should get tested before you have unprotected sex, and ideally keep that as your only partner. You should also avoid sharing of needles. Do not use the same toothbrushes, razors, etc. If you are a drug user, then you should go to a needle exchange program to get rid of this addiction.
It is important to understand how long does HIV live outside the body, as it also helps us understand why the virus does not spread from casual contact. HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and it is the one that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The virus breaks down the immune system, making it susceptible to disease attacks. The defense mechanism of the body kills the bacteria and viruses that enter the body every day. However, with a suppressed immune system, the patient begins getting infections and ailments that would not have occurred normally.
http://www.Symptoms-Causes-treatment.blogspot.com detect diseases at an early stage symptoms, and find out the causes and treatments best suited.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
Usually after infection, people experience a period of slight fever, headaches, fatigue and muscular aches. There may also be a swelling of the glands under the throat, armpit or groin. There are people who may stay with the virus for more than 10 years before they start exhibiting signs of AIDS. There are some who develop the signs much earlier.
What are the symptoms of AIDS?
When the body’s immune system is compromised and certain illnesses start manifesting. These include:
- Thrush – This is the development of a white furry substance in your mouth, and is caused by yeast and can come with a sore throat.
- Recurrent or severe vaginal yeast infections and a constant inflammation of the pelvis.
- There are times when the patient will feel tired for no good reason at all. These may come with some headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- The patient will also lose a lot of weight very fast, and the body will bruise much easier then.
- The patient will diarrhea for long periods of time.
- The patient will have night sweats and a lot of fever.
- The lymph glands of the throat armpit and groin will begin to swell.
- The patient also develops a long term cough, which is very dry.
- The patient will also suffer from bleeding from growths in the skin, and from all body orifices.
- The patient will develop rashes very many times
- The patient will over time get numbness in the hands or feet, and may lose control of muscles. He may then get paralyzed. There is a decrease in the mental ability of the affected person.
How long does HIV live outside the body ?
The virus has to be embedded in a host or a live culture with a temperature of an average of 98 degree or so, to survive. Once it is outside, the body, the HIV virus does not live long; it dies within a couple of minutes as it does not have the temperature needed for its survival. Even little temperature differences and lack of oxygen can cause the virus to die.
Other viruses can go in a temporary state of shut-down, till another suitable host comes along but an HIV virus simply dies as soon as it is out of a host, the cell wall begins to give away. This is the reason why it is said HIV virus cannot be spread through a kiss or a mere contact, but only through sexual contact or shared IV needles. In case shared IV needles, especially when someone is doing drugs and sharing the blood-filled needles with another person, the virus is passed simply to the other one, without dying. Scientists have found out that HIV can survive in dried blood blood, if there is sufficient amount of room temperature, for a period of 1 to 6 days.
There has not been a single case of HIV being spread through casual touch, as the HIV does not live outside the body. So, if you share a soap that has been used by an HIV infected person, there is no risk unless you have an open wound which may be a risk. Once the virus is exposed to air, it effectively dies.
How do I keep away from contracting the virus?
Most people say that you should abstain from sex with an untested partner. You should get tested before you have unprotected sex, and ideally keep that as your only partner. You should also avoid sharing of needles. Do not use the same toothbrushes, razors, etc. If you are a drug user, then you should go to a needle exchange program to get rid of this addiction.
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