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It's also possible for HIV to spread through oral sex and sharing sex toys, although the
chances of this happening are very low. For example, it's estimated that you only have a 1 in
5,000 chance of getting HIV if you give unprotected oral sex to someone with the infection.
Preventing HIV
Anyone who has sex without a condom or shares needles is at risk of HIV infection.
The best way to prevent HIV is to use a condom for sex and to never share needles or other
injecting equipment (including syringes, spoons and swabs). Knowing your HIV status and
that of your partner is also important.
For people with HIV, effective antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of passing
HIV to sexual partners.
18. Itching:
Itching is an unpleasant sensation that compels a person to scratch the affected area. The
medical name for itching is pruritus.
Itching can affect any area of the body. It can either be:
generalized – where itching occurs over the whole body
localized – where itching only occurs in a particular area
Sometimes, there may be a rash or spot where the itching occurs.
Mild, short-lived itching is common, but the problem can occasionally be severe and very
frustrating to live with.
Things you can do
If you experience troublesome itching, there are some things you can do that may help
relieve it and prevent damage caused by scratching, including:
patting or tapping the itchy area, rather than scratching it
holding a cold compress, such as damp flannel, over the affected area to cool it down
bathing or showering in cool or lukewarm water
using unperformed personal hygiene products
avoiding clothes that irritate your skin, such as wool or man-made fabrics
using a moisturizer or emollient if your skin is dry or flaky
There are also medicines, such as antihistamines and steroid creams, that are available over
the counter from pharmacies that may help relieve itching caused by certain skin conditions.
19. Lung cancer:
Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Around 44,500 people
are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK.