Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or more commonly known as HIV, is a sexually transmitted virus. As this retrovirus progresses, the immune system of the patient fails which can be life-threatening. Such disease is called AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV can actually infect anyone. But it can be considered a weak virus since it cannot withstand the outside environment. Unlike colds which you can get from the air or just mere casual contact to an infected person, HIV cannot survive outside the body. The immune system is where HIV reproduces and it then kills the cells that have been infected. With the weakening of the immune system over time, the patient is more prone to other sicknesses or infections. There are two types of HIV, namely HIV-1 and HIV-2. The most common type is HIV-1, unlike the other which is usually found in West Africa. To be more aware of how HIV is transmitted to another person, below are some possible factors.
- HIV is known to be sexually transmitted. Sexual intercourse is actually the most common way to get the virus. If you practice unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex, you are more prone to get HIV. This is because the virus is present in blood, semen, or vaginal discharges. When such secretions of an infected person get into your body, there is a very high percentage that the virus is passed on to you. Aside from this, having other types of sexually transmitted disease poses a greater chance of obtaining HIV. This proves that safe sex and regular visit to a medical professional is a must.
- Another way to get the retrovirus is through blood transfusion. Since the virus is actively present in the blood, having an infected blood donor is extremely dangerous. This is the reason why hospitals and blood donors take extra precautions in choosing donors.
- Mothers who have the disease can possibly transmit the virus to their babies. The prenatal and perinatal are crucial stages since the virus can infect the babies during this time. Mothers can also pass on the virus through breast-feeding. Continuous medications should be given to the mothers to lessen the probability of transmitting HIV to their children.
- Unhygienic practices like sharing of needles and drug paraphernalia can also be a cause of acquiring HIV and other diseases such as hepatitis. For example, if a needle was already used to an infected person and that same paraphernalia was injected to you, there is a great risk that the virus is then passed on to you. This is why needles or syringes that were already used should be properly disposed.