HIV Specialist, Understanding HIV as a Sexually Transmitted Disease

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is primarily caused by the transmission of the virus from an infected person to another person through specific bodily fluids. The main modes of HIV transmission include:

Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: The most common mode of HIV transmission is through unprotected sexual intercourse, particularly vaginal or anal sex, with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through the mucous membranes or tiny cuts or sores in the genital, rectal, or oral areas.

Blood-to-Blood Contact: HIV can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. This can occur through sharing contaminated needles or other drug paraphernalia among people who inject drugs. Additionally, receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants from infected donors (rare in countries with strict screening protocols) or using contaminated medical equipment that hasn't been properly sterilized can also pose a risk.

Mother-to-Child Transmission: HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced through proper medical interventions such as antiretroviral treatment for the mother, delivery by caesarean section when necessary, and avoiding breastfeeding.

Occupational Exposure: Healthcare workers or individuals in certain occupations that involve direct contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials may be at risk of HIV infection if they experience accidental needle stick injuries or come into contact with infected blood.

It's important to note that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, or through insect bites. It is primarily

Transmitted through specific routes that involve direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Preventive measures such as practicing safe sex, using condoms consistently and correctly, avoiding sharing needles or drug equipment, and getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Additionally, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) are preventive strategies that can further reduce the risk of acquiring HIV in certain situations. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is the first

Step in HIV prevention following exposure. Connect with an expert and begin PEP treatment for HIV to take a proactive step in protecting your health.

Other Modes of Transmission: While less common, HIV can also be transmitted through other means, although the risk is relatively low. These include:

Occupational Exposure: Apart from accidental needles tick injuries, healthcare workers may be at risk of exposure if they come into contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin.

Sharing Personal Care Items: Sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, or syringes (primarily in drug use) that have been contaminated with infected blood can potentially transmit the virus.

Vertical Transmission: In rare cases, HIV transmission can occur through invasive medical procedures involving contaminated equipment or through infected breast milk in settings where breastfeeding is not advised due to a high prevalence of HIV.

Rare Modes of Transmission: Although extremely uncommon, HIV transmission can occur through oral sex, particularly if there are open sores or bleeding gums, and through deep, open-mouthed kissing if both partners have sores or bleeding gums.