POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: Tommy1997 on September 29, 2012, 12:37:50 pm
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Dear Admin,
I went to an Asian massage parlor yesterday and I have been feeling anxious since then. If the massage cream is infected with HIV virus, and it's rubbed on potentially chafed penis, could it cause HIV infection? Do I need to get tested?
Thank you very much!
Tommy
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Tommy,
Hiv doesn't infect massage cream. That's why it's called the Human immunodeficiency virus.
Hiv is a fragile, difficult to transmit virus that is primarily transmitted INSIDE the human body, as in unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse where the virus never leaves the confines of the two bodies.
Once outside the body, small changes in temperature, and pH and moisture levels all quickly damage the virus and render it unable to infect.
For this reason you cannot be infected by objects in the environment and that includes massage creams, hand creams and even food.
Neither getting a massage nor getting a handjob are risks for hiv infection.
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!!!
Ann
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Thank you very much, Ann!!
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This website is helping countless people. I am sure there are many people like myself who are very grateful for the advice we received here. I know the first 3 questions are free, but if we want to make a donation, is there a way to do it?
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Tommy,
You can either take out a subscription (you don't have to use it, after all), or you could send a check made out to AIDSmeds.com. Please make note in the lower right-hand corner (or back) of the check that it is to be used to help fund the running of the forums (ie "forum donation"). Unfortunately your donation will not be tax-deductible, but it will be appreciated.
And thank you! Your generosity is appreciated.
AIDSmeds.com,
462 Seventh Avenue, 19th Floor,
New York, NY 10018.
Ann