How is HIV Transmitted

One of the pandemics gripping the world with fear is HIV. The word HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus infects the body and destroys the immune system. Thus, the body's guard is let down, making it prone to attacks from infectious agents. As the HIV infection progresses, the body falls prey to different illnesses and diseases. The advanced stage of HIV is called AIDS. It is important to note that not all people who contract HIV develop AIDS. This is a major fact about AIDS, that is overlooked by all. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a medical condition that takes years to develop after contracting HIV. Therefore, early detection and intervention can help prevent HIV from progressing into AIDS. There are many myths surrounding how can you get AIDS or HIV. Let us break free from the myths, and understand the reality behind how is HIV transmitted.

How is HIV Transmitted

As I said earlier, there are a lot of notions and myths regarding the spread of HIV. These myths are not only prevalent in third world countries, but also in many developed nations. True, HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, but there are other ways to contract the virus. There is lack of awareness related to the other ways of transmission. Therefore, HIV positive people are shunned by the society, where sexual relations other than legal partner are a taboo. These HIV positive people are banished and discriminated within the society.

Men who have contracted this disease are automatically considered to have visited a prostitute or brothel. Women with HIV are said to be of loose character and having multiple partners. HIV positive children are not allowed to enter schools, due to the fear they might spread it to other students. This lack of awareness, empathy as well as humanity makes the lives of those affected a living hell. It important to know how is HIV transmitted to be able to help those affected. When one knows how is HIV transmitted, they can take precautions to prevent the spread of HIV. HIV is transmitted by the following ways:

Unprotected Sex
The most common mode of transmission of HIV is through unprotected sex with an infected partner. Transfer of body fluids and blood during sex may lead to HIV infection. During vaginal sex, the fluids that are discharged from the penis before and after sex contain the virus. In case of women, the fluids from the vagina before and during sex contain HIV. During sex, the fluid from an infected man can pass into the woman's blood stream through the tiniest of cuts or open sores on the body. When an infected woman has sex with a healthy partner, she can pass the virus through a small sore or cut on his penis. HIV can also enter the tube running down the penis, thus infecting the man.

Many people often wonder if oral sex can lead to transmission of HIV. The infected fluid from the genitals can enter the mouth. Any open sore, cut, ulcers or bleeding gums within the mouth can help the virus gain entry into a healthy body. Anal intercourse carries greater risk of transmission of HIV as compared to vaginal sex. The delicate lining of the anus can rupture during intercourse. This may lead to bleeding and increase the chances of transmission of the virus.

Sharing Needles
HIV is transmitted by using unsterilized needles and syringes. This type of transmission is very common in drug addicts. They tend to pass on the same syringe among them while taking drugs. The needle may contain some amount of blood and the virus on it. Whenever one visits a doctor or hospital, make sure the needle used to draw blood samples, give intravenous drugs, intramuscular injections, etc. are sterile. It is the duty of the medical care giver to destroy the syringe and needle after use. Other ways of transmission include sharing spoons, filters and water. Also, during a surgery or any invasive procedure only sterile equipment should be used to avoid HIV transmission.

Blood Transfusion
Blood transfusions carried out during an emergency procedure or an operation leads to HIV infections. Therefore, it has become mandatory in many countries to test each and every blood sample for transfusion in a blood bank.

Healthcare Infection
Many healthcare workers like doctors, nurses, lab technicians, medical social workers, etc. are at a risk of contracting HIV infection. These members of the medical industry come in contact with numerous HIV patients. They may accidentally get a needle prick from the injection that was used for a HIV patient. Or they might get exposed to infected blood that may enter their body through cuts and wounds.

Transmission through Tattoo Art
Teenagers are extremely fond of getting a tattoo or piercing. But, most of these tattoo and piercing joints they visit do not sterilize their equipment. If a prior customer had bled during a procedure and the same needle is used on another customer, it may lead to transmission of HIV.

How is HIV Transmitted from Mother to Child

Many women have a question how is HIV transmitted from mother to child. The answer is HIV is transmitted by an infected pregnant mother to her unborn child. The virus can pass through the mother's system into the baby's during pregnancy or at the time of birth. It can also pass through breast-feeding and a healthy child can get infected with HIV. It has been found that over one-third of untreated HIV positive pregnant mothers pass on the virus to their child. Thus, it is extremely important to take anti-HIV medication AZT or zidovudine to prevent passing on the infection. A HIV mother should go in for a cesarean section to deliver her baby. This will help reduce the transmission of infection when giving birth.

How is HIV Transmitted Between Men

How is HIV transmitted between men is a question that is asked by many homosexuals. HIV infection is transmitted between men due to males who have sex with men (MSM). This is because they tend to indulge in anal sex, that may help in the transfer of the virus. The anal skin is delicate, that may break or get injured leading to bleeding. They choose not to use condoms, that increases the risk of infection. Another reason for transmission of HIV between men is use of drugs and alcohol. These men are not in their senses due to the drug or alcohol effect and tend to reuse the needles for drugs. This further increases their chances of getting infections. Most men tend to smoke that causes presence of gum diseases or ulcers in their mouth. These homosexuals also indulge in oral sex, that further increases their chances of getting an infection.

How is HIV Not Transmitted

There are several myths regarding transmission of HIV. People believe just by mere handshake with a HIV positive individual, will transmit the disease. A few people think sitting next to a HIV person may transmit the virus by coughing and sneezing. However, this is not possible as the virus can stay alive only within body fluids. HIV is not transmitted through the following ways:

• Blood donation
• Using public toilets
• Hugging
• Sharing utensils for eating
• Living in the same house, office, or even sharing seats in the public transports
• Mosquito bites
• Eating food or drinks cooked or handled by a person with HIV/AIDS
• Kissing
• Sharing the same swimming pool, sauna, etc.
• Cough or sneezes

These were the ways that helps you understand how is HIV transmitted. The HIV infection is transmitted only through vaginal secretions, semen, pre-ejaculation fluid, breast milk and infected blood. It is NOT always through sexual activity one maybe infected with HIV. It CAN be transmitted through use of infected needles during a visit to the hospital or transfer of infected blood. Try and know more about HIV/AIDS. This will help you understand the problems faced by a HIV positive person. Do not shun or banish those infected with HIV. Understanding how is HIV transmitted will help reduce the number of infections. Stay safe, stay HIV free.