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 submit, we’ll break down the info so you’ll be able to 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 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 immediately injected into the bloodstream (for instance, through a needle or syringe).
Frequent Modes of HIV Transmission:
Unprotected Sexual Contact
- Vaginal or anal intercourse with out a 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 Gear
- Contains 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 therapy 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 will not be 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’t get HIV from:
- Hugging, shaking palms, or sharing a meal
- Coughing or sneezing
- Utilizing public bathrooms, swimming pools, or fitness center tools
- Insect bites or animal scratches
- Sharing utensils, towels, or bedding
- Kissing (except there are massive open sores and blood is exchanged—that is extraordinarily uncommon)
Keep in mind: HIV will not be 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 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 | Totally different strains exist; therapy nonetheless issues to stop superinfection |
What You Can Do to Keep Protected
- Use safety: Condoms scale back danger throughout intercourse
- Get examined commonly: Know your standing and your associate’s
- Think about PrEP: A every day tablet that forestalls HIV for these at larger danger
- Don’t share needles: At all times 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 make it easier 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 will all assist cease HIV from spreading and assist these residing with it.
Coming Subsequent: HIV Prevention—Defending Your self and Others
In our subsequent submit, 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!