Do you know how human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmitted? Are you worried about getting or having HIV? Well, you should be aware of it. HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attack the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. HIV is not an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS if left untreated.
How is it transmitted?
– It can only be transmitted to certain body fluids-blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk- from a person who has HIV.
– HIV can spread mainly by unprotected anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV.
-Be more cautious, you can get HIV from receptive anal sex (highest-risk) or insertive anal sex. Either you or your partner can also get HIV through vaginal.
– HIV is also not only transmitted through intercourse (sex) but also with sharing contaminated needles or syringes to a person who has HIV. Remember, it takes 42 days (depends on the temperature or other factors) that the virus can survive in a used needle. Health care workers are also at risk due to exposure to a needle or other sharp objects that are infected with HIV.
– There is also possible HIV transmission during oral sex when a positive man ejaculates in his partner’s mouth.
– Blood transfusions or organ transplants from an HIV-positive donor. Meticulous testing from the blood bank and/or from the donated organ is considered to prevent transmitting the virus.
-Mother-to-child transmission can spread the virus during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It may be prevented when the mother receives antiretroviral drugs or HIV medicines during pregnancy and child. During childbirth, cesarian section (C-section) may be preferred than normal vaginal delivery to prevent transmitting the virus. Breastfeeding with HIV positive woman is not supported.
How could you prevent from acquiring it?
Condoms can prevent you from acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Moreover, using sterile needles protect you from being infected with HIV, Hepatitis C, and other viruses.Whenever you have acquired HIV and you got pregnant, keeping track with the treatment regimen will keep your baby free from HIV.
References:
(https://www.hiv.gov)
