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Is it safe to....?

Is it safe to give blood?

Donating blood in the UK is completely safe. All equipment is sterile and used only once. If you go to give blood, staff will ask you questions to assess whether you may have come into contact with HIV. If they think you might have been at risk, they will ask you not to give blood.

Is it safe to receive blood?

As an extra safety measure, all blood, blood products, organs and tissues for transplant in the UK are screened for antibodies to HIV. Blood products are also heat-treated.

Can I get HIV from being treated by my doctor or dentist?

Doctors, dentists and other health-care workers use precautions when dealing with patients to prevent any risk of infection.

What about giving first aid?

It makes sense for anyone giving first aid to follow standard hygiene and safety precautions and avoid direct contact with the injured person’s blood. If you do get someone else’s blood on your skin, simply wash it off.

What if I come across a used needle or syringe?

Don’t touch the metal needle. If you are pricked by a used needle, pinch the wound to make it bleed, clean the area and wash it with soap and water. Cover it with a plaster and get medical advice.

What about skin piercing?

Anything that punctures the skin, including tattooing, acupuncture needles and equipment for ear-piercing, body-piercing or removing hair by electrolysis, could pass on HIV and other infections. Reliable practitioners will use disposable equipment or sterilise it before use. Ask if you are unsure and only go ahead with the procedure if you are satisfied that sterile equipment is being used.

What about medical treatment abroad?

As some countries do not have the same standards of medical and dental care as in the UK, there may be a risk of getting HIV from infected blood transfusions, blood products and from unsterile medical equipment. When you are visiting certain countries, you may want to take your own first-aid kit, including sterile needles and syringes.

For more information, please call the National AIDS Helpline free on 0800 567 123. For more advice on any precautions you need to take for your journey, you can call the MASTA Traveller’s Helpline (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) on 09068 224100. This is a recorded message, so be prepared to leave your name, address and journey details. Calls to this number are charged at 50p a minute.

What about having sex abroad?

Many people work, travel or take holidays abroad. No matter where you are, or how widespread the virus is in the country you’re visiting, the main ways of passing on HIV are the same. It’s important to plan ahead. If you think you might meet a new partner, take a supply of quality condoms and water-based lubricant with you.