Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or more commonly known as AIDS, is slowly becoming widespread nowadays. It is mainly caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. It is a retrovirus that could affect anyone. It reproduces in the immune system then kills numerous infected cells. This is why over time the immune system of a human weakens resulting to more infections. There are actually two types of HIV. The most common form all over the world is HIV-1. On the other hand, HIV-2 is less potent and is mostly found in West Africa. On the brighter side, HIV cannot sustain and live outside the body. It is not like the virus of colds which anyone could easily get just by getting near someone who has colds. One cannot have HIV by mere touching, hugging, kissing, or shaking of hands. To know more about how HIV is transmitted, below are some of the ways that you have to be aware of.
- Sexual intercourse is the most common way of getting AIDS. This happens if you have unprotected oral, vaginal, and anal sex with someone who is infected with the virus. When his or her semen, blood, or vaginal discharges enter your body, you are most likely to get the disease as well since such virus is present in these secretions. Also, if you have other sexually transmitted disease, you are even at greater risk of acquiring HIV. Practicing safe sex all the time and regular consultation to the doctor is always important.
- Sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia is not at all hygienic and healthy. This can even pose a great risk of acquiring HIV and other diseases like hepatitis. Using a syringe or needle that was already used by someone who has infected blood could pass on his or her disease to you. Avoiding injected drugs is the best way to protect you; or if this is not possible, always use new and sterile needles and syringes.
- Infected mothers can also pass on their disease to their babies. This happens during prenatal, perinatal, and through breast-feeding. But with the proper medications given to the mothers, the risk of their child getting HIV is greatly reduced.
- HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusion. If, for example, your blood donor is infected, you definitely have a high risk of acquiring the virus present in his or her blood. This is why hospitals and blood banks make sure that proper screening and testing is now done to all donors.