Can You Catch Thrush

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

Candidiasis (Thrush)

The Bottom Line Candidiasis is a very common yeast (fungal) infection. The fungus normally lives in the body. It cannot be eliminated. The best way to avoid an outbreak of candidiasis is to strengthen your immune system by taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs). Most candida infections are easily treated with local therapies. In people with weakened immune systems, these infections become more persistent. Systemic anti-fungal drugs can be...

Ask the Experts

A hard time catching my breath

I was diagnosed with HIV two weeks ago, and at that time I had thrush which with meds is going away. This last week I have been having issues with catching my breath. I get out of the car I get winded, I go up the stairs I am winded (more than...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,I agree: a cough productive of green phlegm should be checked out sooner rather than later. You could well have a respiratory tract infection, which could account for some of your shortness of breath. However, in light of your HIV disease, other... Read more »

Is thrush contagious?

I am poz and have ITP....my CD4 count's been dropping and I started HAART and ITP-treatment a month ago...but since I was on prednisone, I got thrush. My boyfriend wants to know if he is at risk of "catching" it.Thanks,chris...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi Chris,Nope. Thrush is not contagious. It's an opportunistic illness. It takes the "opportunity" of one's immune system being suppressed (in your case by prednisone) or deficient (low CD4 count) to develop. Please reassure your... Read more »

Does having thrush mean that my baby is already infected

I sent an email to you earlier on, the title of the email was "Pregnancy with undectable viral load without medication" At the time of my pregnancy my viral load was <50 and cd4 count 700, during pregnancy it fluctuated between <50...

Response from Katherine Luzuriaga, M.D.

University of Massachusetts, Medical School

No one symptom or sign reliably distinguishes HIV-infected from HIV-uninfected infants. While we certainly do see thrush in HIV-infected babies, it is also commonly seen in uninfected babies. The diagnosis of HIV infection can only be made through... Read more »

thrush, thrush!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE, IT HELPED ALOT. I HAVE BEEN TAKING ATRIPLA BUT NOW HAVE THRUSH SINCE I STARTED TAKING THE MEDS. IS THE MED NOT WORKING OR HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE ANY IMPROVEMENT. BESIDES ATRIPLA I AM TAKING,CLOTRIMAXOLE LOZENGES AND...

Response from Eric Daar, M.D.

UCLA School of Medicine

It would be very unusual for thrush to develop while on therapy and then not respond to the medications you are taking. The first thing I would suggest is that you see an expert provider to make sure it truely is thrush, versus something else such... Read more »

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Thrush or not?

Posted by Anonymous

Hi, hope someone can help. I have always practised safer sex, included in this is oral sex without taking any semen in my mouth etc., and so I have always thought that I was safe from catching HIV. However, about 3 months ago i had a cold (so did my... Read more »

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