Q: While having sex, if a person just touches the genitals like penis, vagina, etc are there any chances of transmission of HIV/AIDS?
If a person came to know that he/she is HIV+ after 1 year after having sex with an infected partner, what is the treatment that should be followed by him and what is the average life-span?
A:Unless there is a open cut or wound on the hand, just touching the genitals of another person can not transmit HIV, even if the person touched is HIV positive.
If a person discovers that he or she is HIV positive then that person should do the following:-
Confirm the diagnosis by another test if only one test was done initially
Contact and discuss issues with a counsellor
Do not donate blood
Avoid casual sex
Use a condom for all penetrative sex, even with the regular partner or even with another HIV infected person
Live a regular life with balanced nutrition and regular exercise
Continue with the normal occupation to earn a living
Get all illnesses treated early
Chose a doctor for future consultation who accepts and treats HIV positive persons
Get in touch with associations of positive persons
Share the knowledge with those that you trust, especially spouse or sexual partner
As a general rule half the persons who get HIV infection develop AIDS in about 9 years. This means that half the persons who get infected are still well and functioning more than 9 years after getting infected.
As far as specific treatment by anti-retrovirals is concerned, the consensus is that anti-retrovirals should not be started too early in the course of the infection. Current thinking suggests that anti-retrovirals should be started when AIDS is imminent or when the T4 cell count has dropped below 200. Consult your doctor about this.
Please remember to live a regular health life, get all infections treated immediately and rigorously and take precautions to avoid passing on the infection.
