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Facts about HIV infection and Aids - information and frequently asked questions
Even after the extended time that we have had Aids round, there are still some myths and ideas regarding this dangerous disease. With some often-repeated "local legends", some of the information and facts about HIV infection gets distorted and clouded.
Some facts about HIV infection
Here are some very basic facts about HIV infection to remember
The virus is present in blood, semen, male pre-seminal fluid (cum) and female vaginal fluid. The virus is transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person. The virus is transmitted by using infected syringes and needles and is also transmitted through infected blood and blood products. You cannot be infected with the virus through casual contact like shaking hands. People suffering with any sexually transmitted disease/s are more susceptible to contract the virus. Symptoms may or may not appear within 3 - 6 months or could only appear later and could take a decade or more to manifest. This is what makes management of Aids difficult, since the incubation time of symptoms vary from person to person and also depends on the general health and immune system of the person. Affected people can presently not be cured, yet many treatments are available to assist the infected person's immune system. Condoms are not a perfect barrier or a 100% guarantee, yet they do offer some form of protection, and it is generally held that it is best to use a condom.
Questions that you were to afraid to ask
Please remember - if you have any question regarding your health, or are concerned about the possibility of having this disease, please discuss it with your health practitioner.
Laboratory testing is still the preferable way to test for HIV infection, since it is done in a clinical setting, but should you be concerned about your status after reading any of the facts about HIV infection you could look at our Aids home test kit which is a quick "Rapid" type of test to do initial screening and to ascertain the presence of antibodies. For more on information, please click here.
Our home test kits
Information pages
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