New here, newly positive, and have a very personal question.

[fallenfromgrace]

Ok, so I don't know how to ask this, but I just found out that I was positive this last week, I also just got my period today. What I need to ask is this - do I need to take special precautions with my used menstrual products (i.e. tampons)? I am concerned with exposing others to the virus, I am living in a community environment right now, so please, any help with this would be great.

[vivyt]

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I think just the ordinary disposal would be appropriate. I'm pretty sure no one would want to mess with that...

[emeraldize]

Hello. I'm also sorry to learn of your diagnosis.

I agree with Vivyt--do whatever you do normally to dispose of your feminine hygiene products, flush if tampon, wrap and toss if napkin or liner.

Further, the possibility of anyone touching your menstrual blood is extremely remote under normal circumstances. And, even if they were to do so, the virus would not be transmissible by that time. 

You might find the information available here on the forum helpful. In particular, you might want to read about Prevention which covers transmission of HIV.

The site, as well as current and back issues of POZ magazine (linked via the site) will give you considerable amounts of information.

Have you been seen by an infectious diseases doctor yet? If so, have you had your flu and pneumovax shots yet? If not, has one be recommended to you?

Take good care. I well remember those first days and weeks. Ask any questions you have, whether here or of your doctors/nurses.

Em

[kajnjewel]

I am also new to this forum but NOT new to HIV - was infected in 89.  As far as disposal, the normal should be ok.  BUT please remember that one of the body fluids that the virus thrives in is blood - even menstrual blood and that is one of the ways a woman can infect a man through menstrual blood.  Practice safe sex or do not have sex while on your period if you are sexually active. 

Please know that there is life after diagnosis and it is NOT the end of the world.  Science has really come a long ways over the last decade and it is no longer a deadly disease as it used to be.  It is treatable, preventable and manageable now.  There is more hope now than ever before.

Ask your questions, go to the "Body" website and various threads in this forum and learn as much as you can about living with and prevention from this disease.

I am and everyone here is here to help in any way we can.

Darlene
aka kajnjewel

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[bleueyes]

I don't want to be crued, but I wrap it in tissue paper and put it in the trash. Please do not worry too much, how can I say that?
Honestly just live good, that means make yourself happy and be good to others when possible.
Most important: it is not airborn!