HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids: blood, semen, pre-
seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Transmission occurs
when these fluids from an infected person come into contact with a mucous
membrane (like the lining of the vagina, rectum, or mouth), an open cut or
sore, or are directly injected into the bloodstream of another person. Ordinary,
day-to-day contact like kissing, hugging, or sharing utensils does not transmit
HIV.
Here's a breakdown of the key principles of HIV transmission:
Specific Bodily Fluids:
HIV is only transmitted through certain bodily fluids. These include blood, semen
(including pre-cum), vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk.
Sufficient Viral Load:
For transmission to occur, the infected fluid must contain a sufficient amount of
HIV. This is often high during the initial infection stage and in later stages of the
disease if not treated.
Route of Entry:
The virus needs a way to enter the body of the uninfected person, typically through
mucous membranes (like the lining of the vagina, rectum, or mouth), open cuts or
sores, or directly into the bloodstream through injection.
No Transmission Through Casual Contact:
HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as touching, hugging, or sharing
utensils.
Mother-to-Child Transmission:
HIV can be passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or
breastfeeding.
Perinatal Transmission:
If a mother has HIV and does not receive treatment during pregnancy, she can pass
the virus to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Sexual Transmission:
Anal or vaginal sex without a condom or without taking HIV prevention medication (like
PrEP) is a major route of HIV transmission.
Needle Sharing:
Sharing needles or syringes for injecting drugs or tattooing is another way HIV can be
transmitted.
Health Care Settings:
While the risk is low, health care workers can be exposed to HIV through accidental
needle sticks or splashes of infected blood or bodily fluids.
Important Considerations:
Undetectable Viral Load:
People living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and have an
undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners.
Prevention:
Using condoms correctly, limiting sexual partners, and getting tested for HIV regularly
are crucial for preventing transmission.
Early Treatment:
Starting ART early in the course of HIV infection not only improves the health of the
person with HIV but also significantly reduces the risk of transmission.
Triangle of Self-Care: The "ESSE"ntials of HIV Transmission - LoveYourself Inc.
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The Basics of HIV Prevention | NIH - HIVinfo
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HIV treatment involves the use of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) to effectively suppress the
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