Understanding how HIV is transmitted is essential for prevention and for lowering pointless worry. Sadly, many myths nonetheless encompass the methods HIV spreads. On this put up, we’ll break down the information 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 individual. 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, by way of 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)
- Threat is larger if one associate 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 Youngster
- Throughout being pregnant, childbirth, or breastfeeding, a mom with HIV can move the virus to her child
- This danger will be diminished to nearly zero with correct remedy throughout being pregnant
Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants
- In nations with strict blood screening procedures, that is extraordinarily uncommon
- Threat should still exist the place blood merchandise usually are not adequately examined
How HIV Does Not Unfold
Regardless of what some nonetheless imagine, HIV can’t be unfold via informal, on a regular basis contact. You can not get HIV from:
- Hugging, shaking fingers, or sharing a meal
- Coughing or sneezing
- Utilizing public bathrooms, swimming pools, or health club gear
- Insect bites or animal scratches
- Sharing utensils, towels, or bedding
- Kissing (until there are giant 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 Frequent Myths
| Fantasy | Truth |
|---|---|
| You will get HIV from a mosquito chunk | Mosquitoes don’t transmit HIV |
| HIV can unfold via saliva | Saliva comprises enzymes that really break down the virus |
| HIV spreads simply in households or colleges | There isn’t any danger via 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 cut back danger throughout intercourse
- Get examined often: Know your standing and your associate’s
- Take into account PrEP: A day by day tablet that forestalls HIV for these at larger danger
- Don’t share needles: All the time use sterile gear
- Get educated and share what you realize: Assist unfold information, not worry
Why This Issues
Figuring out the reality about how HIV spreads can shield your well being and aid you 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 information, we will 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 medicines like PrEP to schooling and habits change. Prevention begins with data—so keep tuned!