Understanding how HIV is transmitted is essential for prevention and for decreasing pointless worry. Sadly, many myths nonetheless encompass the methods HIV spreads. On this put up, we’ll break down the information so you possibly can shield your self, assist others, and assist cease the stigma.
How HIV Spreads
HIV is transmitted when sure physique fluids from an individual with HIV enter the bloodstream of one other particular person. The 5 physique fluids that may carry sufficient HIV to contaminate somebody are:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
- Rectal fluids
- Breast milk
For HIV to be transmitted, these fluids should come into contact with a mucous membrane, broken tissue, or be instantly injected into the bloodstream (for instance, through a needle or syringe).
Frequent Modes of HIV Transmission:
Unprotected Sexual Contact
- Vaginal or anal intercourse with no condom or with out being on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
- Danger is larger if one accomplice has a sexually transmitted an infection (STI)
Sharing Needles or Injecting Gear
- Contains needles used for injecting medication, steroids, hormones, and even tattoos and piercings if not correctly sterilized
From Mom to Little one
- Throughout being pregnant, childbirth, or breastfeeding, a mom with HIV can move the virus to her child
- This threat will be lowered to virtually zero with correct remedy throughout being pregnant
Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants
- In international locations with strict blood screening procedures, that is extraordinarily uncommon
- Danger should still exist the place blood merchandise will not be adequately examined
How HIV Does Not Unfold
Regardless of what some nonetheless imagine, HIV can’t be unfold by means of informal, on a regular basis contact. You can not get HIV from:
- Hugging, shaking palms, or sharing a meal
- Coughing or sneezing
- Utilizing public bathrooms, swimming pools, or health club tools
- Insect bites or animal scratches
- Sharing utensils, towels, or bedding
- Kissing (until there are massive open sores and blood is exchanged—that is extraordinarily uncommon)
Bear in mind: HIV shouldn’t be a extremely contagious virus just like the flu or COVID-19. It requires particular circumstances to unfold.
Let’s Bust a Few Frequent Myths
| Delusion | Truth |
|---|---|
| You will get HIV from a mosquito chunk | Mosquitoes don’t transmit HIV |
| HIV can unfold by means of saliva | Saliva incorporates enzymes that really break down the virus |
| HIV spreads simply in households or faculties | There isn’t a threat by means of informal contact in these settings |
| If each companions are HIV-positive, they don’t want safety | Totally different strains exist; remedy nonetheless issues to stop superinfection |
What You Can Do to Keep Secure
- Use safety: Condoms scale back threat throughout intercourse
- Get examined often: Know your standing and your accomplice’s
- Think about PrEP: A every day tablet that stops HIV for these at larger threat
- Don’t share needles: At all times use sterile tools
- Get educated and share what you already know: Assist unfold information, not worry
Why This Issues
Figuring out the reality about how HIV spreads can shield your well being and allow you to advocate for others. It additionally performs a key function in ending stigma—as a result of worry is usually rooted in misinformation. Once we perceive the information, we will all assist cease HIV from spreading and assist these dwelling with it.
Coming Subsequent: HIV Prevention—Defending Your self and Others
In our subsequent put up, we’ll go into sensible prevention methods: from condoms and drugs like PrEP to schooling and conduct change. Prevention begins with data—so keep tuned!