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Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The most common ways that hepatitis C is spread include:

  • Sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs. This is the most common way that hepatitis C is spread.
  • Having unprotected sex with an infected person. However, this is a less common way to spread hepatitis C.
  • From an infected mother to her baby during birth
  • Accidental needle sticks or exposure to an infected person’s blood in a healthcare setting
  • Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
  • Tattoo or piercing with unsterilized needles or equipment
  • Exposure to blood on the job, such as for healthcare workers.

It’s important to note that hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or drinks, or using the same restrooms. It is important to test for Hepatitis C and get medical treatment if needed to prevent the virus from progressing to chronic infection.

HIV

Yes, HIV is a treatable condition. There are several antiretroviral (ARV) drugs available that can effectively suppress the virus, allowing people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. These drugs work by preventing the virus from replicating and damaging the immune system, which allows the body to repair itself and maintain a healthy immune response. When used in combination, these medications are known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), and they are able to reduce the amount of virus in the blood, known as the viral load, to undetectable levels. When a person’s viral load is undetectable, they are considered to have achieved viral suppression, which reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others. HIV is a chronic condition, so people living with HIV will likely need to take ART for the rest of their lives, but with the right care and support, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and lead a good quality of life. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who can provide the right treatment and support.

HIV is primarily transmitted through certain bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways that people become infected with HIV are through:

Unprotected sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs: HIV can be transmitted when needles or other equipment that has been used by an HIV-positive person is reused by someone else.

From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding: HIV can be transmitted from a mother living with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Blood transfusion or organ transplant: HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants with infected blood or organs.

It’s important to note that HIV is not transmitted through everyday activities like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.

It’s also worth mentioning that, although the risk of transmitting HIV through oral sex is lower than that of other sexual behaviors, it is still possible to transmit the virus by this way.

If you are pregnant and living with HIV, it’s important to seek medical care right away. With appropriate medical care and treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be significantly reduced. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most effective method for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. ART can suppress the virus in the mother’s body, lowering the risk of the virus being passed on to the baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant and HIV-positive, you’ll be closely monitored by a team of healthcare professionals, including an obstetrician, an HIV specialist and a pediatrician. They will work together to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby. They may advise you to start the ART treatment or adjust the current regimen during pregnancy. This is necessary to achieve an undetectable viral load, which is critical in minimizing the chance of mother-to-child transmission. It’s also important to know that there is a small chance that your child may still become infected despite all the preventative measures. Therefore it’s important to test the baby for HIV shortly after birth and continue monitoring the baby’s HIV status after delivery. It’s worth noting that mother-to-child transmission of HIV is rare in developed countries due to improved treatment and awareness, as long as the mother is diagnosed and treated early.