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Ask the Experts about Mixed-HIV-Status Couples
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When both people are positive....
Feb 14, 2003

My partner and I are both HIV positive. Is there a point to "safe sex" at this point?

Response from Dr. Remien

Yes, there is a point to "safe sex" when two people are HIV+. First off, unprotected sex carries the risk of transmission of a number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). People with HIV may also have an increased vulnerability to getting another STI and an STI can further harm the immune system. Second, according to most medical experts, there remains the possibility of become re-infected with HIV which could have negative consequences especially if the new infection is with resistant virus. However there is considerable debate about how likely it is for people to become reinfected with HIV, with some believing that the risk is very low.



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