Transmission of HIV-AIDS

1. Transmission of HIV/AIDS How is HIV transmitted? Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can spread through blood, semen and pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluid, vaginal fluid, syringes, needles, or breast milk. More significantly, people get HIV from sexual intercourse. If a healthy individual involves in sexual activity with an HIV-infected individual, the transmission of the virus is possible to a greater extent. From anal sex You can possibly get infected from HIV if you have unprotected anal sexual intercourse with somebody who already is suffering from HIV infection. Unprotected, here, means “without using condoms or other contraceptives”. Further, it is important to know that anal sex is the most common way and risk way to get or transmit HIV infection from one person to the next. Since the lining of the rectum is very thin, the transmission of the virus becomes easy in this case. From vaginal sex You can get infected from HIV if you have unprotected (without using condoms or contraceptive drugs) vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual. Potentially, the virus can enter a woman’s body through vaginal fluids that line the vagina and the cervix after arousal.

2. Moreover, men can also get the virus during vaginal sex via the opening at the tip of the penis, small cuts, or other little openings on the penis. Plus, if the individual’s penis is not circumcised, he may get the virus easily. From a mother to the baby A breastfeeding mother can pass the HIV infection to the baby through breast milk. This is a very common example of HIV transmission. It is also known as mother-to-child transmission or perinatal transmission. The risk of transmitting the virus increases with the growing stage of the infection. However, if a woman is on ART (antiretroviral therapy) during or after her pregnancy, it is better to seek medical attention if the baby develops any signs of HIV. From infected needles Your risk of getting HIV increases when you share your syringes, needles, or other injectables with somebody who is suffering from the condition. Besides HIV, your body may be prone to hepatitis and other chronic infections. Infected needles refer to the injectables used to administer drugs or other fluids (blood). Other factors that increase HIV risk As discussed above, HIV can be transmitted through a couple of mediums. Apart from that, other factors that increase the risk of getting HIV infection are as follows.  Using alcohol and drugs.  Being infected from some other sexually transmitted diseases like genital herpes, pubic lice, syphilis, and others.  Having sexual intercourse with somebody who has a higher viral load. If you think you are prone to HIV, contact your doctor and discuss PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). These are the medications that help in preventing HIV infection before and after the suspected exposure to the virus. Source: http://writeus.me/transmission-of-hiv-aids/