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 info so you may shield your self, help 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).
Widespread Modes of HIV Transmission:
Unprotected Sexual Contact
- Vaginal or anal intercourse and not using a condom or with out being on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
- Danger is larger if one companion has a sexually transmitted an infection (STI)
Sharing Needles or Injecting Tools
- Consists of needles used for injecting medication, steroids, hormones, and even tattoos and piercings if not correctly sterilized
From Mom to Baby
- Throughout being pregnant, childbirth, or breastfeeding, a mom with HIV can cross the virus to her child
- This danger might be lowered to nearly zero with correct therapy throughout being pregnant
Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants
- In nations with strict blood screening procedures, that is extraordinarily uncommon
- Danger should exist the place blood merchandise aren’t adequately examined
How HIV Does Not Unfold
Regardless of what some nonetheless consider, HIV can’t be unfold by informal, on a regular basis contact. You can not get HIV from:
- Hugging, shaking arms, or sharing a meal
- Coughing or sneezing
- Utilizing public bogs, swimming pools, or fitness center 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)
Keep in mind: HIV isn’t a extremely contagious virus just like the flu or COVID-19. It requires particular situations to unfold.
Let’s Bust a Few Widespread Myths
| Fable | Reality |
|---|---|
| You will get HIV from a mosquito chunk | Mosquitoes don’t transmit HIV |
| HIV can unfold by saliva | Saliva comprises enzymes that truly break down the virus |
| HIV spreads simply in households or faculties | There isn’t a danger by informal contact in these settings |
| If each companions are HIV-positive, they don’t want safety | Completely different strains exist; therapy nonetheless issues to stop superinfection |
What You Can Do to Keep Secure
- Use safety: Condoms scale back danger throughout intercourse
- Get examined repeatedly: Know your standing and your companion’s
- Contemplate PrEP: A every day tablet that forestalls HIV for these at larger danger
- Don’t share needles: All the time use sterile tools
- Get educated and share what you already know: Assist unfold info, not worry
Why This Issues
Figuring out the reality about how HIV spreads can shield your well being and show you how to advocate for others. It additionally performs a key position in ending stigma—as a result of worry is commonly rooted in misinformation. After we perceive the info, we are able to all assist cease HIV from spreading and help 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 training and habits change. Prevention begins with data—so keep tuned!