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AIDS/Confusion about transmitting fluids

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Expert: Terry B - 7/5/2007


Question
QUESTION:  sir I have heard that HIV is still alive as long as the transmitting fluid is wet outside the body.Does HIV infected wet blood outside the body also comes in category of transmitting fluids.What another things comes in category of transmitting fluids.Does in completely dry blood outside the body HIV virus lives.





ANSWER: Dear Amrit:

Semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, and blood are the fluids which can contain sufficient HIV to infect another person.  If any of these are in fluid form (or frozen) they can transmit HIV.

Sincerely,

Terry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: SIR. thanks for the reply.IN your answer you have written a word frozen in paranthesis in second line of answer given by you.What does it mean?hh

Answer
Dear Amnit:

Blood products (in example, plasma) are sometimes frozen for storage and transport.  Freezing does not destroy the virus because the blood cells remain intact.  Since development of testing for HIV, blood and blood products should be screened for HIV antibodies prior to transfusions.

Hope this explains.

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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