HIV is a viral infection that has affected millions of individuals globally and continues to see rising numbers. This virus’s rapid transmission has led to numerous deaths due to AIDS and related complications. It’s essential to understand the mechanisms of HIV transmission.
Discover the ways in which HIV spreads and dispel the common myths that often surround its transmission.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
HIV is transmitted through direct contact with specific bodily fluids from an HIV-positive person who has a detectable viral load. Specifically, the virus can spread through sexual intercourse similarly to other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Contaminated needles are another means of transmission; sharing a needle with someone who is HIV-positive can allow the virus to enter your bloodstream directly.
Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding can also occur, although it’s not as common. While rare, the virus may also be transmitted through oral sex, blood transfusions, and organ or tissue transplants.
HIV thrives in bodily fluids such as rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, semen, blood, and breastmilk. If an HIV-negative person has any cuts, sores, or wounds that come into direct contact with these fluids from someone who is infected, the virus can enter their bloodstream, leading to infection. Symptoms may appear months after the initial exposure.
How HIV Is Not Transmitted
There are many myths about HIV transmission that can cause unnecessary fear and confusion. It’s important to clarify how HIV is not transmitted:
You cannot contract HIV through:
- Air or water – Living in the same household or sharing a swimming pool with an HIV-positive person poses no risk.
- Sneezing or coughing – Unlike coronavirus, HIV cannot spread through respiratory droplets.
- Mosquito bites – Mosquitoes do not transmit HIV; the virus cannot survive or replicate within a mosquito’s body.
- Saliva, tears, sweat, or urine – These fluids do not contain enough of the virus to cause transmission.
- Casual physical contact, such as shaking hands or hugging.
- Sharing eating utensils, dishes, or glasses.
- Using gym equipment that has been used by someone with HIV.
- Drinking from public fountains.
- Donating blood – Blood donation processes ensure that individuals with HIV are not permitted to donate.
Remember, a person can only contract HIV through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual. It’s crucial to stay informed and avoid spreading myths and misinformation.