The 1 in a 1000 Figure

[adviceneeded0]

Thanks for your help so far all.

I'd just like to ask about this number which I often see Dr HHH and Dr Hook quote - which in my mind has always seemed quite high (or low in terms of risk).

Unprotected sex with an infected female is 1 in a 1000 chance for the male to get it is the way I understand it.

I was wondering what factors have been taken into account here and where this number comes from and what scenario this would apply to. Can this be said for every infected female? I would not have thought so, as people have different viral loads. Having sex with an infected female in Africa would surely be a greater risk?

And yes, I am playing with numbers for peace of mind.

[RainLover71]

True,the higher the viral load the higher risk of infection,but the majority of people know their status and are on ARV's so their viral loads would be quite low,maybe even undetectable,also,it is much harder for a man to contract Hiv from a woman than the other way around so that figure of 1 in 1000 or 1 in 2000 is very accurate I would say.The only reason say an African woman would be considered more infectious is because of the numbers of infected women in Africa in comparison to other countries where infection rates are low where women are concerned.It is a numbers game but at the end of the day a risk is a risk and protection is always the best policy.

[adviceneeded0]

Thanks again for your info.

I definitely agree on the protection is the best policy view - my only fear lies in the fact that if the chances are made higher by who you sleep with then the other "theoretical no risks" can be made possible risks?

For example masturbation with vaginal fluids that have a higher viral load than the norm and the chance some of the virus may live longer in air.

[RainLover71]

Yes,but remember that transmission of the Hiv virus occurs inside the body not outside it,so masturbation with vaginal fluids that contain a higher viral load is still never a risk.

[chris2ask]

most people know their status and are on arv?really?
i thought the longest phase of hiv is the asyptomatic period and during that period there are no specific evidence of hiv...right?

[RainLover71]

Read the OP's original question,he is talking about infected women.The majority of people who have had an exposure get tested and therefore are aware of their status.Another fact is that 50--to 85% of people will develop ARS symptoms,which may include very high fever,very sore throat and a rash on the trunk--torso and limbs.Once again the majority of people would have been tested before that asymptomatic period begins.

[chris2ask]

but isnt ars usually misdiagnosed for a mono or a common flu?and the high risk group including prostitutes drug addicts or people who are just careless...are these people usually thoughtful enough of getting tested?

offtopic:is it rare for ars to last only 4days?

[RainLover71]

Yes,so that is why testing is all that counts  and why it is the only way to diagnose Hiv.Most prostitutes require having to get tested to stay employed,drug addicts might be the group that is less likely to test,But even they are being advised to test by their local health centres these days.ARS can last anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks on average.