Ten Things We Have Been Asked About HIV

Understanding about HIV in the UK is shockingly low. Despite the vast majority of people getting HIV through unsafe sex, people are still really confused. Here are some of the things NAT (National AIDS Trust) has been asked through our website www.HIVAware.org.uk: Check it out for the facts about HIV

1. Could my dog have got HIV from picking up a used sanitary towel?

No person (or dog) has ever got HIV from a sanitary towel

2. How risky is a tit-wank?

Not risky at all, enjoy

3. Might I have got HIV from the person giving the HIV test?

Not unless you had unsafe sex or shared needles with them

4. Can you get HIV from a wig?

Nope

5. Can you get HIV from giving or getting a blowjob?

Not from getting a blowjob but giving one might be a small risk. Having mouth ulcers, sores or bleeding gums makes it more likely.

6. What about from sharing a toothbrush?

It's a bit gross but not an HIV risk. You can't get HIV from someone's saliva.

7. Can you get HIV from feeling yourself up?

Solo sex is the safest there is... knock yourself out

8. I had to fish around in a public toilet for my keys – could I have got HIV if the person before me had HIV and had their period?

Nope you’re cool. HIV only lasts for for a v short time outside the body, plus people don’t get it through their hand.

9. Can HIV be transmitted by sharing cigarettes? What if the other person has a cut lip or cold sore?

Not a HIV risk… lung cancer on the other hand…

10. I snogged a girl at a party and now I'm worried I have HIV

HIV cannot be passed on by saliva ONLY blood, semen or sexual juices (p.s sorry for using the term sexual juices we couldn't think of a more sexy way of putting it).