How Is Hiv Transmitted?

 

A person who is HIV-infected carries the virus in certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.  The virus can be transmitted only if such HIV-infected fluids enter the bloodstream of another person.  Usually, HIV is transmitted through: *Unprotected Sexual Intercourse With Someone Who Is HIV-Infected.  Women are at greater risk of HIV infection through vaginal intercourse than men, although the virus can also be transmitted from women to men.  Anal intercourse ( whether male-male or male-female ) poses a high risk mainly to the receptive partner, because the lining is extremely thin and filled with small blood vessels that can be easily injured during intercourse.

*Unprotected Oral Sex With Someone Who Is HIV-Infected.  There are far fewer cases of HIV transmission attributed to oral sex, but oral-genital contact poses a clear risk of HIV-infection.  This risk is increased when either partner has cuts or sores, such as those caused by Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's), recent tooth-brushing, or canker sores, which allow the virus to enter the bloodstream.

*Sharing Needles Or Syringes With Someone Who Is HIV-Infected.  Laboratory studies show that infectious HIV can survive in used syringes for a month or more, and people who inject drugs should never reuse or share syringes, water, or drug preparation equipment.  This includes needles or syringes used to inject illegal drugs such as heroin, as well as steroids.  Other types of syringes, such as those used for body piercing and tattoos, can also carry HIV.

*Infection During Pregnancy, Childbirth, Or Breast-Feeding ( Mother-to Infant Transmission )  Any woman who is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant and thinks she may have been exposed to HIV--even if the exposure occurred years ago, should seek testing and counseling.  Mother-to-infant transmission has been reduced to just a few cases each year in the U.S., where pregnant women are tested for HIV and those who test positive are provided with drugs to prevent transmission and counseled not to breast-feed.

How Is HIV Not Transmitted?

HIV is not an easy virus to pass from one person to another.  It is not transmitted through food or air (for instance, by coughing or sneezing)  There has never been a case where a person was infected by a household member, relative, co-worker, or friend through casual or everyday contact such as sharing eating utensils and bathroom facilities or hugging and kissing.  Most Scientists agree that while HIV transmission through deep or prolonged kissing may be possible, it would be extremely unlikely.  In the U.S., screening the blood supply for HIV has virtually eliminated the risk of infection through blood transfusions.  And you cannot get HIV from giving blood at a blood bank or other established blood collection center.  Sweat, tears, vomit, feces and urine do contain HIV, but have not been reported to transmit the disease.  Mosquitos, fleas, and other insects do not transmit HIV.

 

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Becoming Infected With HIV Through Sexual Contact?

If you are sexually active, protect yourself from HIV infection by practicing safer sex.  Whenever you have sex, use a condom or *dental dam* (a square of latex recommended for use during oral-genital and oral-anal sex)  When used properly and consistently, condoms are extremely effective.  But remember:

*Use only latex condoms or dental dams.  Lambskin products provide little protection against HIV.

*Use only water-based lubricants.  Latex condoms are virtually useless when combined with oil or petroleum based lubricants such as Vaseline or hand lotion. People with latex allergies can use polyethylene condoms with oil-based lubricants.

*Use protection each and every time you have intercourse.

*If needed, consult a nurse, doctor, or health educator for guidance on the proper use of latex barriers.

How Can I Avoid Acquiring HIV From A Contaminated Syringe?

If you are injecting drugs of any type, including steroids, do not share syringes or other injection equipment with anyone else.  Disinfecting previously used needles and syringes with bleach can reduce the risk of HIV transmission.  If you are planning to have any part of your body pierced or to get a tattoo, be sure to see a qualified professional who uses sterile equipment.  Detailed HIV prevention information for drug users who continue to inject is available from the CDC's National Prevention Information Network at 1-800-458-5231 or online at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/hiv_prev.txt

Is There A Link Between HIV And Other STD's?

 

Having a sexually transmitted disease can increase your risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV.  This is true whether you have open sores or breaks in the skin.  Where there are breaks in the skin, HIV can enter and exit the body more easily.  Even when there are no breaks in the skin, STD's can cause biological changes that may make HIV transmission more likely.  Studies show that HIV-infected individuals who are infected with another STD are three to five times more likely to contract or transmit the virus through sexual contact.

Are Some People At Greater Risk Of HIV Infection Than Others?

 

HIV does not discriminate.  It is not who you are, but what you do that determines whether you can become infected with HIV. Worldwide, sexual intercourse is by far the most common mode of HIV transmission, but in the U.S., as many as half of all new HIV infections are now associated either directly or indirectly with injection drug use (i.e. using HIV-contaminated needles to inject drugs or having sexual contact with an HIV-infected drug user)  Overall,HIV infection is spreading fastest in the U.S. among young people, women, african americans, and Hispanics.