FAQs of HIV Transmission

1. Can I Get HIV from Anal Sex?

The answer is, yes. Both sexes are at a risk of acquiring HIV. Since the lining of the rectum is thin, it allows the virus an easy access to the blood. It is perceived that the person receiving the semen is at a greater risk. However, a penis being inserted in an infected partner can acquire HIV through small cuts, abrasions, or open sore. It is also possible for the virus to transmit through the urethra.

Abstinence is perhaps the safest option however latex condoms in combination with water-based lubricants are a viable option.

2. Can I Get HIV from Vaginal Sex?

This mode is perhaps the most common cause of HIV transmission. Both partners are at a significant risk of acquiring the virus. Abrasions, sores or cuts on the penis and abrasions along the vaginal path are a serious problem that may lead to providing an easy route of transmission. The use of condoms, latex and plastic are used to avoid exposure although it is believed that abstinence may be the only option.

3. Can I Get HIV from Oral Sex?

It is uncommon but not unheard of that people opting for oral sex might contact AIDs through blood, seminal or vaginal fluids. Although transmission of HIV is least likely for this mode of sexual activity than the others, it still constitutes a risk. The common causes are cuts or open wounds around the mouth or throat which can contact semen or vaginal fluids.

4. Can I Get HIV from Injecting Drugs?

While injecting a drug, the blood drawn into the syringe may be infected and the reuse of such a syringe constitutes a greater risk of inducing HIV or any other blood-borne disease. The most common mishaps occur through reuse of disposed syringe or sharing drug equipment which includes reuse of syringe to prepare drugs; reuse of water, bottle caps or other containers for dissolving. A particular nuisance is the ‘street sellers’ that sell used syringes as sterilized ones. The safest option is therefore to avoid these mishaps and buy syringes from reputed pharmacies.

5. Can I Get HIV from Kissing?

The idea that a person may acquire HIV from kissing is rare but not altogether foreign. It is however, accepted that closed mouth kissing does not constitute any risk. Infected people who have sores or cuts around the mouth or throat may transmit the disease through blood contact and a few instances have been reported where French kissing has led to the transmission of the virus.

6. Can I Get HIV Through Body Piercing?

It is in fact common, occurring in many places that people who reuse equipment without sterilizing or disinfecting it are at a risk of acquiring HIV or other such blood-borne diseases. For general health awareness, workers at piercing and tattoo parlors should be educated about possible hazards of reusing unsterilized equipment. It is also feasible to use and dispose onetime instruments for such instances where the skin is broken.

7. Can I Get HIV from Mosquitoes?

No. Mosquitoes and other biting insect, in fact, cannot transmit HIV or other such viruses because when bitten by such an insect, there is no contact with the blood of any previous person but the saliva of the very insect. HIV lacks the tendency to survive in a mosquito’s body and thus is not transmitted. This explains how areas heavily populated with mosquitoes and AIDs do not show epidemic outbreaks.

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How Long Does HIV Live Outside the Body?

HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency virus is perhaps the most feared amongst those who come in close contact with body fluids, even miniscule quantities, and are often concerned about its transmission. More often, the idea of its ability to survive outside the body is a particular source of distress and raises ample questions. This article will explain on how long HIV can live outside the body as well as the chances of being infected by HIV virus through other ways.

How Long does HIV Live Outside the Body?

According to an Australian review (2003), “Viral survival is influenced by virus titer, volume of blood, ambient temperature, exposure to sunlight and humidity.”

Laboratory studies, aiming to acquire data on HIV survival, developed solutions containing copious amounts of artificially grown viral concentrations and revealed that the viruses could be kept alive in the course of days to weeks, given that optimal conditions were maintained.

However, drying of these fluids reduces the amount of infectious virus by 99 percent in a span as low as a few hours, according to CDC. So we can say that most of the HIV virus dies within several hours outside the body because of inappropriate temperature, lack of human host and other factors.

Other Facts of HIV Survival

1. Being insensitive to extreme cold, HIV requires heat and temperatures as high as 60°C to be killed/ destroyed.
2. HIV levels in blood at room temperature remain markedly stable. It is interesting to note that the virus can persist in dried blood for at least a week at 4°C.
3. Survival of HIV in syringes, used to draw blood infected with the virus, can last as long as four weeks. The temperature played a role with a longer survival of the virus with temperatures lower than 4°C while viral activity was not detected after seven days when temperatures were elevated as high as 27-37°C.
4. Its sensitivity to changes in pH leads to variable survival term with HIV, the most suitable being 7-8, below or above which can quicken the death of the virus.
5. Survival of HIV in sewage water, as proven by the research of Thames Water, is up to several days. This survival, however, is inconsequential to the risk factor as HIV has hardly ever been isolated from feces and urine.

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HbA1c Test and Diabetic

Diabetics know all about blood sugar checks. Many diabetics have to check their blood sugar several times daily, especially Type 1 diabetics. 

In recent years, a test has been introduced that can check the average of blood sugar levels over a few weeks or even months. The Hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c Test looks for glycated hemoglobin. This is produced when hemoglobin in the red blood cells pick up the glucose in the blood (glycated). The glucose hangs around for a while so when doctors measure this test, they can get a bigger picture of how you are doing with your diabetes treatment.

The HbA1c is also referred to as the "A1c" and if the numbers with this test is higher than before, your treatment may need to be adjusted and you are at higher risk of long-term complications. Read on for more information about this test.

What Is HbA1c Test?

An HbA1c test helps doctors see how well diabetes treatment plans are working for their patients. Doctors can also use it as a screening exam to check for diabetes. You may have also heard it called by the names: hemoglobin A1c, A1c or glycohemoglobin A1c.

The doctor can look at this test and see what your blood sugar levels have average over the last few months. This is because hemoglobin in red blood cells pick up glucose and it tends to stay within the hemoglobin cells for a while. The higher the blood sugar/glucose level, the more glucose the hemoglobin absorbs. When this happens, the HbA1c reads high and the doctor will know that the blood sugar levels have been high over the last few months.

The doctor will need to re-evaluate the treatment plan and possibly send you to a diabetic educator. This is done to prevent complications from high blood sugars over a long period of time. These include:

• Eye damage/disease
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Damage to nerves
• Damage to small blood vessels

When & How Often Should You Take HbA1c Test?

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, the doctor will initially run your first HbA1c Test to see where you are at. The American Diabetes Association recommends, "If glucose levels are stable, then HbA1c testing can be done twice yearly." If your blood sugar levels are not stable it is recommended for your doctor to run the test quarterly until your levels stabilize.

Using this test can help your doctor see if your current treatment plan is working or not. When the doctor works with the HbA1c numbers, research shows that the risk of long-term complications is drastically reduced.

What Is a Normal Reading for HbA1c Test?

The normal reading for an HbA1c test is between 4 and 5.6. Here is the breakdown of the ranges used to diagnose and monitor diabetes:

• 4 to 5.6 – Healthy, no diabetes and minimal risk for getting diabetes
• 5.7 to 6.4 – Pre-diabetes/high risk for future diabetes
• 6.5 or higher – Diagnosis of diabetes and higher numbers mean your diabetes needs careful monitoring

Limitations

The HbA1c cannot help monitor daily blood sugar levels since they are an average of a few months. This also means that the test cannot monitor the fluctuations during the day and the differences from night to morning and vice-versa.

There are some health conditions that can show false elevated HbA1c levels and this must be taken into consideration. These include kidney disease, alcoholism, high triglycerides in the blood. If you suffer from sickle cell, thalassemia or have blood loss your A1c may show lower numbers.

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Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms in Men

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high. The definition of the disease is simple, but the potential health consequences are complex and often serious. Diabetes raises the risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also cause problems with your eyes, skin, kidneys, and nervous system. For men, erectile dysfunction (ED) and other urological problems are also associated with diabetes.

Fortunately, many of these complications are preventable or treatable. The key is awareness and taking charge of your health.

Diabetes and Sexual Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. It can be a symptom of many health issues. These include high blood pressure, stress, smoking, medication side effects, and kidney disease. It can also be caused by conditions related to the circulatory and nervous systems.

If you start to experience ED, consider the possibility of diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, men with diabetes are at risk for ED. Though estimates vary, the organization says 20 to 75 percent of men with diabetes have erectile dysfunction.

Diabetes may lead to sexual problems because it can harm the body’s autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls the widening or constricting of your blood vessels. If the blood vessels and nerves in the penis are injured by diabetes, the result can be ED.

Another diabetes-related urological problem men face is a condition called retrograde ejaculation. The condition results in some semen being released into the bladder. Symptoms may include noticeably less semen produced during ejaculation.

Sexual problems can be uncomfortable to talk about. A frank conversation with your doctor about ED and other symptoms is essential. Simple blood tests can help diagnose diabetes. Investigating the cause of your ED could lead you to discover other un-diagnosed problems, too.

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent urological and other diabetes-related problems is to keep you blood glucose levels under control. Treatments include medications, exercise, and a proper diet. Erectile dysfunction medications, such as tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and sildenafil (Viagra) may treat your ED.

To avoid any potentially harmful drug interactions, discuss all medications and supplements with your doctor.

Talk to doctor, don't be shame

Sometimes, conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can lead to emotional problems like anxiety or depression. These can worsen your ED, as well as other aspects of your health. Speak with your doctor if you start to experience feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, or worry. If you develop new eating and sleeping behaviors, share those new symptoms with your doctor. By treating the mind, you may help the problems affecting the rest of your body.

Other Symptoms

Some diabetes symptoms are common to both men and women. For example, a variety of skin problems may be among the first signs of diabetes.

Poor circulation caused by diabetes may cause itching in the lower legs and feet. Having diabetes also makes you more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal skin infections. Practice good skin care and see a dermatologist when skin problems arise.

Nerve damage affects about half of those with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. When nerves are damaged by diabetes, it’s called diabetic neuropathy. In autonomic neuropathy, you experience damage to nerves that control basic functions, such as circulation and respiration. In peripheral neuropathy, you experience tingling or pain in the hands or feet. If you have these feelings, or experience numbness in your hands or feet, tell your doctor. Treating diabetic neuropathy as early as possible may limit the extent of the damage.

Notes

Men are slightly more likely than women to develop diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes is a growing problem in the United States for many demographics, including children. The rise in obesity may shoulder much of the blame.

If you have elevated blood sugar and are at risk for type 2 diabetes, you might be able to prevent it. Even if you develop diabetes, you can still live well. With healthy behaviors and proper medication use, you might be able to prevent or manage complications of the diabetes.

Being proactive is vital. If you can’t remember the last time you had your blood glucose checked, get a blood test soon. This especially important if you’re starting to experience ED or other well-known diabetes symptoms.

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Can Onions Lower My Cholesterol?

Onions are known for their culinary benefits, but they may also benefit your health. Research indicates that onions may even help improve cholesterol levels.

What the Research Says

Onions are strong in flavor and high in polyphenolic compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids may have:

• Anti-inflammatory abilities 
• Antioxidants 
• Anticancer abilities 
• Antiproliferative abilities, or the ability to stop cell growth 

Studies also suggest that onions may help improve cholesterol levels.

In one study, flavonoids in onions reduced the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol in obese people at risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers attributed this to the specific flavonoid quercetin, an antioxidant found in onions and other fruits and vegetables. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, levels were not affected.

Another study looked at the effect of onion extract on cholesterol in rats. The researchers noted a significant decrease in cholesterol levels, though triglyceride levels remained unchanged. Some of the rats were given onion extract and zinc sulfate, while others were only given onion extract or zinc sulfate. Better results were seen among the rats that were given a combination of onion extract and zinc sulfate.

Red onions may also benefit cholesterol levels. In a study published in Food and Function, male hamsters were fed a high-cholesterol diet. Some of the rats’ diet was supplemented with red onion powder. The rats that received the red onion powder experienced lower LDL cholesterol levels and maintained high HDL cholesterol levels. The research was the first of its kind to use red onions.

Onions, Diabetes, and Cholesterol

People with diabetes have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Diabetes often lowers HDL cholesterol, and raises LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It’s important for people with diabetes to keep their cholesterol in check.

One study examined the effects of combining the diabetes drug metformin (Glumetza, Glucophage, Fortamet, Riomet) and onion extract. Rats with diabetes were given this combination. Researchers saw a reduction in blood glucose and total cholesterol levels. Despite the encouraging results, researchers are unsure how onion extract helps reduce cholesterol levels and why it increased hunger and feeding in rats without diabetes. Many of the studies have also only examined the effects of onion on cholesterol in animals. There have been limited studies in humans. More research is needed.

Raw vs. Cooked 

Most of the research on onions has been done using raw onions or concentrated onion extracts. It’s unclear how the nutrients in onions are impacted when onions are cooked over high heat.

Quercetin levels aren’t altered when onions are simmered. Instead, this antioxidant is transferred into the cooking water or other liquid. As a result, it may be best to consume onions raw, cook them in a liquid, or sauté them over low heat.

Flavonoids are highest in the outer layers of an onion. To retain as many nutrients as possible, be careful to only peel the onion’s thin, papery layer and leave its fleshy layers intact.

Nutrition

When it comes to nutrition, not all onions are created equal. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry compared the nutrient value of 10 varieties of onions. Among the varieties tested, shallots were found to contain the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The Western yellow onion topped the list for highest flavonoid content.

Precautions

Most people tolerate onions well when consumed in small amounts. Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to onions. Some drugs may also interact with onions. You should use caution if you take any of the following medications:

• aspirin
• lithium
• antidiabetes drugs
• anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs
• medications that affect the liver, such as acetaminophen, chlorzoxazone, ethanol, theophylline, and some anesthetics

Talk to your doctor if you take any of these drugs on a regular basis.

The next time you cut an onion, smile through your tears, because you’ll be doing something positive for your health.

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What causes Hyperventilation?

What Is Hyperventilation?

Hyperventilation is a condition in which you suddenly start to breathe very quickly. Healthy breathing occurs with a healthy balance between breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. You upset this balance when you hyperventilate by exhaling more than you inhale. This causes a rapid reduction in carbon dioxide in the body.

Low carbon dioxide levels eventually lead to narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. This reduction in blood supply to the brain leads to symptoms like lightheadedness and tingling in the fingers. Severe hyperventilation can lead to loss of consciousness.

For some people, hyperventilation is rare, and only occurs as an occasional, panicked response to fear, stress, or a phobia. For others, this condition occurs regularly as a typical response to emotional states, such as depression, anxiety, or anger. When hyperventilation is a frequent occurrence, it’s known as hyperventilation syndrome.

Hyperventilation is also known as: 

• rapid (or fast) deep breathing 
• over breathing 
• respiratory rate (or breathing) — rapid and deep

Common Causes of Hyperventilation

There are many factors that can lead to hyperventilation. This condition most commonly results from anxiety, panic, nervousness, or stress. It often takes the form of a panic attack.

Other causes include: 

• bleeding 
• the use of stimulants 
• drug overdose (aspirin overdose, for example) 
• severe pain 
• pregnancy 
• an infection in the lungs 
• lung diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
• heart conditions, such as a heart attack 
• diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of high blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes) Hyperventilation can also occur because of problems caused by asthma or emphysema or after a head injury. Some women experience problems with hyperventilation during pregnancy. Hyperventilation can occur in some people when traveling to elevations over 6,000 feet as well.

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Can Smoking Cigarettes Cause Impotence?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, can be caused by a wide range of physical and psychological factors. Among them is cigarette smoking. It’s not surprising since smoking can damage your blood vessels, and ED is often a result of poor arterial blood supply to the penis. Fortunately, if you quit smoking, your vascular health is likely to improve, as well as your sexual health and performance.

Smoking and Your Blood Vessels

You’ve probably heard a lot about the health risks of smoking. That’s because cigarette smoking can damage just about every part of your body. The chemicals in cigarette smoke injure the lining of your blood vessels and affect the way they function. Those chemicals can also harm your heart, brain, kidneys, and various other tissues throughout the body.

The risk of smoking to your erectile health is specifically due to the effects of cigarette chemicals on the blood vessels in the penis. An erection results when the arteries in the penis expand and fill with blood after receiving signals from nerves in the penis. The nerves are responding to sexual arousal signals from the brain. Even if the nervous system is operating at full strength, an erection might not be physically possible if the blood vessels are unhealthy due to smoking.

What Does the Research Show?

While ED tends to be more common as men get older, it can develop at any adult age. A 2005 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that ED is not only more likely among men who smoked compared to those who never did, but that in younger men with ED, cigarette smoking is very likely the cause of their impotence.

If you are a heavy smoker, research suggests the odds of developing ED are much higher. However, quitting smoking can improve ED symptoms. Be aware that your age, the severity of your ED prior to quitting smoking, and other major health problems may reduce the degree to which healthy erectile function can return. 

Getting Help

While ED can be an awkward subject to discuss with your partner or a healthcare provider, the sooner you deal with the issue, the sooner you’ll find a solution. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, but you want to discuss ED with a physician, make an appointment with a urologist or men’s health specialist. ED is a very common health problem, so you shouldn’t feel self-conscious. You may, however, be advised that one of the things you should do soon is quit smoking.

If you’ve tried to quit smoking and been unsuccessful, never assume that quitting is beyond your reach. You should get help and take a new approach this time. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends the following steps to help you quit smoking: 

• Make a list of the reasons you want to quit and why your earlier attempts to quit were unsuccessful. 
• Pay attention to your smoking triggers, such as drinking alcohol or coffee. 
• Get support from family and friends. It’s okay to admit that you need assistance in overcoming a powerful addiction like smoking. 
• Talk with your doctor about prescription and over-the-counter medications designed to help smokers kick the habit. If a particular medication seems like a good and safe choice, follow the medication’s instructions precisely. 
• Find new alternatives to smoking and activities that can distract you from cigarette cravings, such as exercise or hobbies to occupy your hands and your mind. 
• Be prepared for cravings and setbacks. Just because you slip up one day and have a cigarette doesn’t mean you can’t get back on track and be ultimately successful.

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