How Long Does Hiv Blood Live Outside The Body

Dr. Sajeev KumarC.S.C, D.C.H, M.B.B.SGeneral Physician

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Hiv does not live long outside the human body. Even if the food contained small amounts of hiv-infected blood or semen, exposure to the air, heat from cooking, and stomach acid would destroy the virus. 

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Dr. Sajeev KumarC.S.C, D.C.H, M.B.B.SGeneral Physician

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Testing positive for hiv often leaves a person overwhelmed with questions and concerns. It’s important to remember that hiv is a manageable disease that can be treated with hiv medicines. The first step after testing positive is to see a health care provider, even if you don’t feel sick. People with hiv work closely with their health care providers to decide when to start hiv medicines and what hiv medicines to take. The use of hiv medicines to treat hiv infection is called antiretroviral therapy (art). People on art take a combination of hiv medicines (called an hiv treatment regimen) every day. Art prevents hiv from multiplying and reduces the amount of hiv in the body. Art can’t cure hiv, but it helps people with hiv live longer, healthier lives and reduces the risk of hiv transmission. People with hiv should start art as soon as possible. In people with hiv who have certain conditions, such as certain hiv-related illnesses and coinfections, it’s especially important to start art right away. Deciding when to start art and what hiv medicines to take begins with an hiv baseline evaluation. The following lab tests are included in an hiv baseline evaluation. Cd4 count a cd4 count measures the number of cd4 cells in a sample of blood. Cd4 cells are infection-fighting cells of the immune system. Hiv destroys cd4 cells, which damages the immune system. A damaged immune system makes it hard for the body to fight off infections. Treatment with hiv medicines prevents hiv from destroying cd4 cells. The higher a person’s cd4 count is, the better. Art is recommended as soon as possible for everyone with hiv, no matter what their cd4 count is. However, a low cd4 count (below 200 cells/mm3) increases the urgency to start art. Viral load a viral load test measures how much virus is in the blood (hiv viral load). A goal of hiv treatment is to keep a person’s viral load so low that the virus can’t be detected by a viral load test. The cd4 count and viral load test are both used to monitor the effectiveness of hiv medicines once art is started. Drug-resistance testing drug-resistance testing identifies which, if any, hiv medicines will not be effective against a person’s strain of hiv. Health care providers consider a person’s drug resistance test results when recommending an hiv regimen. An hiv baseline evaluation also includes other tests, such as a blood cell count, kidney and liver function tests, tests to check the levels of glucose and certain fats in the blood, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases and hepatitis. 

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Dr. Prashant K VaidyaDiploma In Gastroenterology, Diploma In Dermatology, BHMSHomeopath

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HIV infection has been documented in every country in the world. Over 40 million people around the globe are living with HIV/AIDS. It is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. The virus attacks the immune system and leaves the body vulnerable to a variety of life-threatening infections and cancers. Reminder: It is not just about medications. Coping with HIV requires lifestyle changes. Making the right choices can aid in the success of living with these diseases. Although it’s important to receive medical treatment for HIV/AIDS, it’s also essential to take an active role in your own care. The following suggestions may help you stay healthy longer: Eat healthy foods. Emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Healthy foods help keep you strong, give you more energy and support your immune system. Avoid certain foods. Foodborne illnesses can be especially severe in people who are infected with HIV. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, raw eggs and raw seafood such as oysters, sushi or sashimi. Cook meat until it’s well done or until there’s no trace of pink color. Get immunizations. These may prevent infections such as pneumonia and the flu. Make sure the vaccines don’t contain live viruses, which can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. Take care with companion animals. Some animals may carry parasites that can cause infections in people who are HIV-positive. Cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis, while pet reptiles can carry salmonella. Proper rest and sleep so that you wake feeling rested and give your body at least 7 hours to repair and recuperate. Control risk factors such as smoking, being overweight and lack of exercise. Stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol speeds the progression of liver disease. Avoid medications that may cause liver damage. Review your medications with your doctor, including the over-the-counter medications you take. Your doctor may recommend avoiding certain medications. Reduce unnecessary stress factors to insure a more alert and effective immune system. Make healthy lifestyle choices each day. For example, choose a diet full of fruits and vegetables and whole foods. Drink water to flush all the toxins from your body. Develop healthy social networks with friends, family and support systems. Help prevent others from coming in contact with your blood. Cover any wounds you have and don’t share razors or toothbrushes. Don’t donate blood, body organs or semen, and advise health care workers that you have the virus. 

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Dr. Prashant K VaidyaDiploma In Gastroenterology, Diploma In Dermatology, BHMSHomeopath

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Causes: Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spread from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air. This can happen when someone with the untreated, active form of tuberculosis coughs, speaks, sneezes, spits, laughs or sings. Although tuberculosis is contagious, it's not easy to catch. You're much more likely to get tuberculosis from someone you live with or work with than from a stranger. Most people with active TB who've had appropriate drug treatment for at least two weeks are no longer contagious. HIV and TB Since the 1980s, the number of cases of tuberculosis has increased dramatically because of the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Infection with HIV suppresses the immune system, making it difficult for the body to control TB bacteria. As a result, people with HIV are many times more likely to get TB and to progress from latent to active disease than are people who aren't HIV positive. Drug-resistant TB Another reason tuberculosis remains a major killer is the increase in drug-resistant strains of the bacterium. Since the first antibiotics were used to fight tuberculosis more than 60 years ago, some TB germs have developed the ability to survive, and that ability gets passed on to their descendants. Drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis emerge when an antibiotic fails to kill all of the bacteria it targets. The surviving bacteria become resistant to that particular drug and frequently other antibiotics as well. Some TB bacteria have developed resistance to the most commonly used treatments, such as isoniazid and rifampin. Some strains of TB have also developed resistance to drugs less commonly used in TB treatment, such as the antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, and injectable medications including amikacin, kanamycin and capreomycin. These medications are often used to treat infections that are resistant to the more commonly used drugs. Symptoms: Coughing that lasts three or more weeks Coughing up blood Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing Unintentional weight loss Fatigue Fever Night sweats Chills Loss of appetite Tuberculosis can also affect other parts of your body, including your kidneys, spine or brain. When TB occurs outside your lungs, signs and symptoms vary according to the organs involved. For example, tuberculosis of the spine may give you back pain, and tuberculosis in your kidneys might cause blood in your urine. 

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Dr. Rahul GuptaMD-Ayurveda, Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery (BAMS)Sexologist

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Hello- Yes it is. HIV can survive at the longest a few minutes, but an average of around 30 seconds when exposed to air. The virus can not live in a dried state.The longer the virus lives in a liquid state exposed to air the weaker it gets and the smaller chance of transmission. 

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Dr. Juhi ParasharMasters in Clinical PsychologyPsychologist

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No problem lybrate-userDon't be sorry for the problem you are going through for which you are not even responsible. It's become OCD YOU NEED Proper medicine treatment. I also suggest you to Consult psychologist for therapy and counseling Consult me for same All the best more power to you. 

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Dr. Isha MalhotraBDSDentist

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What is Halitosis (Bad Breath)? Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an embarrassing health condition that affects approximately 30% of people around the world. Additional medical terms for this condition include stomatodysodia, fetor oris, and ozostomia. Regardless of the term used, this is the presence of a foul-smelling odor that seems to come from the mouth cavity. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, in more than 90% of cases, the odor originates in the mouth, throat, and tonsils. Although this is something everyone experiences at one time or another, if your case does not improve after brushing, flossing, and rinsing the mouth with an alcohol free mouthwash, it may be chronic. The foul oral odor is usually caused by a group of anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria that breed beneath the surface of the tongue and often in the throat and tonsil area. The term "anaerobic" literally means living without oxygen, and in fact, these bacteria do not require oxygen to live. They occur naturally in the oral environment and are essential because they assist in digestion by breaking down proteins into amino acids. Proteins are commonly found in food, mucus or phlegm, blood, and in diseased oral tissue. As these bacteria feast on proteins in your mouth, sulfur compounds are released from the back of your tongue and throat. The bacteria excrete waste as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and other odorous and bad tasting compounds known as volatile sulfur compounds. As long as the anaerobic bacteria feed on proteins and excrete volatile sulfur compounds unchecked, your breath will become worse and worse. Four Common Bad Breath Causes There are many underlying causes of halitosis, but four of them are very common. Dry mouth: Xerostomia, the medical term for dry mouth, provides a perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria reproduction. Long periods of speaking, smoking, drinking alcohol, and snoring are a few common underlying causes. Most people experience foul breath in the morning due to lack of saliva production while they sleep. For healthy individuals, food odors are temporary and normal salivary flow will eliminate them within several minutes. However, those who suffer from dry mouth and lack of saliva find that even minor food odors may lead to long-term issues. Foods: Halitosis can be exacerbated by certain foods such as onions and garlic because they contain smelly sulfur compounds, while dairy, meat, and fish contain dense proteins which are used as a food source by the anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria. Refined and processed sugars also provide a food source for bacteria. Coffee and juices can contribute to this problem because they are acidic and provide these bacteria with an ideal breeding environment. Poor dental hygiene: Inadequate oral care causes bacterial buildup on the teeth and gums. Teeth cannot shed their surfaces the way skin can, so microorganisms can easily attach to the teeth and remain there for extended periods. If they are not continuously removed by adequate brushing, these bacteria develop into something called biofilm, commonly known as dental plaque. When plaque is allowed to accumulate near the gumline, it will harden and begin destroying teeth and gum tissues due to intense bacterial activity. This leads to gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which enable proteins from bleeding gums and diseased oral tissue to fuel odor-causing bacteria. Tooth decay and poorly fitting or dirty dentures can also contribute to this problem. Illness and disease: According to studies, an estimated 10% of all halitosis cases are caused by certain illnesses. Individuals who suffer from diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, liver disease, respiratory tract infections, or metabolic disorders often experience chronic foul breath due to dry mouth. Sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, postnasal drip, and polyps affect the airways and may also contribute to the problem. Other common illnesses associated with bad breath include nasal odor and tonsil stones, yeast infections of the mouth, and gum disease. Certain drugs such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, and antihistamines can factor into dry mouth because they reduce saliva production. Please Note: Halitosis is rarely associated with life-threatening diseases. However, it is important that you consult your doctor or dentist as soon as you notice consistent white spots on the tonsils and sores in the mouth with or without a fever. Sometimes bad breath is triggered by severe health conditions such as throat or mouth cancers, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, digestive system disorders, or diabetes – and further, can indicate dehydration or zinc deficiency. Taking proper care of your teeth and visiting the dentist at least twice a year are the easiest ways to avoid these issues. Halitosis Symptoms Offensive breath tells us that something is out of balance. In fact, anthropologists have reported that once humans started to kiss each other, the ability to smell one another's breath became a very important way to test a partner's compatibility. If the other person didn't pass the smell test, they were not able to get to the next step towards securing a mate. Halitosis is a medical condition that lowers self-esteem and affects everyday life and personal relationships. People with chronic or recurring bad breath often lose their self-confidence. It can be difficult to know if you have this problem, because it is often challenging to pick up on one's own scent. Furthermore, family members and colleagues may not feel comfortable telling you. One of the best ways to find out if you have foul breath is to lick the inside of your wrist, wait five seconds, and then take a whiff. Most symptoms of halitosis depend on the underlying cause. The most common symptoms include postnasal drip, a bitter metallic taste, a white coating on the tongue, and thick saliva. Many individuals who have foul breath associated with dry mouth can experience difficulty speaking or swallowing, a burning sensation in the mouth, or dry eyes. Fever, sore throat, persistent cough, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck indicate respiratory tract infections, which can also be a contributing factor. Getting a Proper Diagnosis The best way to truly identify the source of chronic halitosis is to visit a dentist or doctor for a professional diagnosis. When you are ready to tackle this situation, be sure to be open and honest with the healthcare professional performing the examination. It is important for him or her to understand all the health problems you are experiencing in order to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. The Halimeter (also known as a portable sulfide gas monitor) is the most commonly used clinical diagnostic instrument utilized in this field. It measures the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in parts per billion (ppb) in mouth air. The Halimeter uses a patented electrochemical voltammetric sensor, which has provided reproducible results to clinicians for the past 20 years. It has been demonstrated hundreds of times on national and local television by Dr. Harold Katz on programs such as The View, Good Morning America, and CBS Morning News. Getting Proper Treatment For more than a century, pharmaceutical companies attempted to alleviate halitosis by using mouthwash that contained alcohol. This is the exact opposite of what should be done because alcohol is a drying agent. Clinicians have learned a good deal in the ensuing years, and in most cases, this condition can be successfully treated. Like the symptoms, treatment depends on the underlying cause. It is important to keep in mind that you cannot eliminate the bacteria from the tongue that cause bad breath. Consequently, scraping or brushing the tongue is a temporary remedy at best, and is typically frustrating for those who believe tongue scraping or tongue brushing is a permanent solution. The bacteria that cause this are part of your normal oral flora and are essential to breaking down proteins, a key step in normal digestion. A much simpler and clinically-proven method to treat bad breath is to interrupt the bacteria's chemical production of odors by introducing oxygenating compounds to your oral environment. Oxygen is the natural enemy of the bacteria that cause this problem because they are anaerobes and cannot function in the presence of oxygen. In general, a dentist will recommend mouthwashes and toothpastes that contain oxygenating agents such as chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite to neutralize volatile sulfur compounds and help control odor causing bacteria found in the mouth. If you are experiencing mouth dryness, your dentist will recommend a saliva substitute to moisten the mouth throughout the day. Some effective, natural ingredients to look for in oral care products are zinc gluconate, aloe vera, green tea, tea tree oil, xylitol, CoQ10, glycyrrhizic acid and oral probiotics like K12 and M18. Six Bad Breath Home Remedies The practice of a few, simple, self-care techniques can help to minimize halitosis. There are several things you can do at home. Advanced oral care products: Use oral care products such as mouthwashes and toothpastes that have been shown to be effective in fighting bad breath. Proper oral care: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to get a toothbrush with soft bristles (as to not damage tooth enamel or gums) and also use fluoride toothpaste. Brushing and flossing helps to remove any food and plaque which can be used as a fuel source by the anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria that are at the root of this problem. Stimulate your salivary flow: Prevent dry mouth with chewing gum, lozenges, or mints that are sugar free. Look for Xylitol, a non-sucrose sweetener, which in recent years has been shown to have anti-cavity properties. Eat fibrous fruits and vegetables: One of the best ways to remove bacteria in the mouth is to eat an apple a day. It helps moisten the mouth, too. Take a dietary supplement: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B are effective at helping your body eliminate excess mucus and toxins naturally. Brush your teeth occasionally with baking soda: The bacteria that cause bad breath thrive in an acidic oral environment. Brushing your teeth with baking soda helps neutralize excess acids found in the oral cavity. 12 Easy Ways to Prevent Bad Breath Please remember, preventing halitosis is always easier than treating it. By developing the right habits, you can effectively help prevent it. Eat foods rich in fiber: High fiber foods help prevent halitosis. Avoid eating heavily processed foods that contain refined carbohydrates such as cookies, cakes, sweets and ice cream. Use mouthwash: Some mouthwashes or oral rinses are effective at preventing bad breath. However, you should never use alcohol based mouthwashes because the alcohol makes the mouth very dry, which will actually make the problem worse. Drink green and black teas: They contain polyphenols that help eliminate sulfur compounds and reduce oral bacteria. Avoid drying medication: Try not to take antidepressants, diuretics, pain relievers, and antihistamines unless it is absolutely medically necessary. These drugs inhibit saliva flow and can cause chronic dry mouth. Avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol: Do not use any oral hygiene products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol because the alcohol makes the mouth very dry, one of the most common causes of bad breath. Clean your mouth after eating meat, fish or dairy products: Practicing consistent and thorough oral hygiene is an effective prevention tool. Stop smoking: Studies have shown that smokers are at higher risk of developing periodontal disease and dry mouth. Furthermore, people who smoke may also engage in other habits that promote this condition such as dieting, drinking alcohol, and suffering from chronic anxiety conditions that require exacerbating prescription medications. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth: Try to address any snoring or sleep apnea issues that could be affecting your breath and causing dry mouth. Drink water: Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water. Clean your dentures at least once a day: Practice the same, proper oral care that you would with your original teeth. Eliminate dairy products from your diet: Lactose intolerance can be an underlying cause of halitosis. Use an oral probiotic like S. Salivarius K12 and M18: Use probiotics to balance the oral cavity and prevent an overgrowth of the odor-causing bacteria involved in halitosis. 

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Dr. Paramjeet SinghMBBS, Dip.Cardiology, Fellowship in Clinical Cardiology(FICC), Fellowship in EchocardiologyCardiologist

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Your white tongue problem is most probably oral thrush which is not related to high cholesterol or a liver disease and for that matter your liver function tests are not that abnormal Thrush is a yeast infection of the tongue and lining of the mouth. Thrush occurs in children and adults when conditions permit too much growth of a fungus called candida in your mouth. A small amount of this fungus normally lives in your mouth. It is most often kept in check by your immune system and other germs that also live in your mouth. When your immune system is weak or when normal bacteria die, too much of the fungus can grow. You are more likely to get thrush if: You are in poor health. You are very old. Young babies are also more likely to develop thrush. You have HIV or AIDS. You are receiving chemotherapy or drugs that weaken the immune system. You are taking steroid medicine, including some inhalers for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You have diabetes mellitus and your blood sugar is high. When your blood sugar is high, some of the extra sugar is found in your saliva and acts as food for candida. You take antibiotics. Antibiotics kill some of the healthy bacteria that keep candida from growing too much. Your dentures do not fit well. Your dentist can usually diagnose thrush by looking at your mouth and tongue. The sores are easy to recognize. To confirm you have thrush, your doctor may: Take a sample of a mouth sore by gently scraping it Examine mouth scrapings under a microscope In severe cases, thrush can grow in your esophagus as well. The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. If this occurs, your provider may: Take a throat culture to see what germs are causing your thrush Examine your esophagus and stomach with a flexible, lighted scope with a camera on the end If you get mild thrush after taking antibiotics, eat yogurt or take over-the-counter acidophilus pills. This may help restore a healthy balance of germs in your mouth. For a more severe case of thrush, your doctor may prescribe: Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin). Lozenges (clotrimazole). Antifungal medicines taken as a pill or syrup, these medicines include fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox. Oral thrush can be cured. However, if your immune system is weak, thrush may come back or cause more serious problems. 

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Dr. Neha JainBDSDentist

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You might be facing problem of gingivitis or there might be a sinus in your oral cavity through which pus is draining due to which there is bad breath. Get a checkup done and go for oral prophylaxis. 

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Dr. Jagdish Prasad MehrotraMBBS, D.P.HGeneral Physician

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Mr. lybrate-user ANSWER 1ST Q. YOU ARE HIV NEGATIVE IF YOUR PCR DNA TEST OF HIV IS NEGATIVE IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT EXPOSED YOURSELF TO UNPROTECTED SEX WITH HIV POSITIVE PERSON HOMOSEXUAL OR HETROSEXUAL By ANY ROUTE ANAL, ORAL VAGINAL. AFTER TEST YOU DO NOT NEED ANOTHER HIV TEST, BECAUSE ONCE NEGATIVE TEST WILL REMAIN NEGATIVE IF YOU DO NOT EXPOSE TO UNPROTECTED SEX. ANSWER 2. HIV VIRUS REMAIN ALIVE IN HERMETICALLY SEALED SYRINGE (MEANS AIR TIGHT SYRINGE) FOR 28 DAYS, NORMALLY HIV VIRUS DO NOT SURVIVE OUTSIDE THE BODY SHARING OF SYRINGE OF HIV POSITIVE PERSON IS AN AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF HIV TRANSMISSION. IT IS SAID THAT PERSON WITH LOW VIRAL LOAD CHANCES OR LESS BUT IF VIRAL LOAD IS HIGH IT IS 100% SURE TRANSMISSION. 

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