HIV is a viral infection that has impacted millions of people around the world and continues to increase in prevalence. The swift transmission of this virus has resulted in numerous deaths due to AIDS and its associated complications. Understanding the pathways of HIV transmission is crucial.
Learn about the ways HIV spreads and debunk the myths that often surround its transmission.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
HIV is passed on through direct contact with certain bodily fluids from an HIV-positive individual who has a detectable viral load. The virus can spread via sexual intercourse, much like other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Another common route is through the use of contaminated needles; sharing a needle with an HIV-positive person can introduce the virus directly into your bloodstream.
Mother-to-child transmission can also occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, although it is relatively rare. Although infrequent, HIV transmission can happen through oral sex, blood transfusions, and organ or tissue transplants.
HIV thrives in bodily fluids such as rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, semen, blood, and breast milk. If an HIV-negative person has cuts, sores, or open wounds that come into contact with these fluids from an infected person, the virus can enter their bloodstream, resulting in infection. Symptoms may not appear until months after the initial exposure.
How HIV Is Not Transmitted
Many myths about HIV transmission persist, often causing unnecessary fear and confusion. It’s important to clarify the methods through which HIV is not transmitted:
You cannot contract HIV through:
- Air or water – Living in the same household or sharing a swimming pool with an HIV-positive person poses no risk.
- Sneezing or coughing – Unlike the coronavirus, HIV cannot spread through respiratory droplets.
- Mosquito bites – Mosquitoes do not transmit HIV; the virus cannot survive or replicate inside a mosquito’s body.
- Saliva, tears, sweat, or urine – These fluids do not contain sufficient quantities of the virus to cause transmission.
- Casual physical contact, such as shaking hands or hugging.
- Sharing eating utensils, dishes, or glassware.
- Using gym equipment previously used by someone with HIV.
- Drinking from public water fountains.
- Donating blood – Blood donation procedures ensure that individuals with HIV are not allowed to donate.
Remember, a person can only contract HIV through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual. Staying informed and avoiding the spread of myths and misinformation is crucial.