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Prevention is Power
How is HIV spread?
HIV can be spread through vaginal or anal sex or through the sharing of needles/syringes.
How can HIV be spread through anal sex?
If you have anal sex with someone who has HIV, and no protection was used such as condoms or medicine that tend or and stops HIV, then you might contract HIV. Anal sex is considered a high risk for spreading the virus. Thus, the receptive partner has a higher chance of contracting HIV compared to the insertive partner. The reason that the receptive partner is more likely to get the virus is due to the lining of the rectum being so thin which facilitates the entry of HIV during anal sex. Other ways by which HIV can enter is through the urethra, also if the male is not circumcised, it can enter through the foreskin, bruises or sores found in any part of the penis can also put the insertive partner at risk.
How can HIV be spread through vaginal sex?
Just like in anal sex, if you do not use protective measures such as condoms or drugs to help treat and stop HIV, then you are at risk of contracting HIV. Compared with receptive anal sex, vaginal sex reduces the risk of HIV infection. However, during vaginal intercourse, either partner can contract HIV. The majority of women who contract HIV do so through vaginal intercourse and its entry is achieved through the mucosa membrane of the vagina. During vaginal intercourse, men may also contract HIV. This is because HIV can be transmitted by vaginal fluid and blood. Just like in anal sex HIV can also enter a man's body through the foreskin of the penis isn't circumcised, by having minor wounds or cuts anywhere in the penis or through the opening of the penis.
How can HIV be spread through the use of needles, syringes, or drug injection tools?
HIV can be spread by someone else's blood may be on discarded needles, syringes, and other injection supplies, therefore putting you at risk for HIV transmission. In addition, people who inject drugs are more likely to contract HIV and other diseases that can also be spread sexually; because they might participate in unsafe sexual activities such as having intercourse without the use of contraceptives or using HIV prevention or treatment medications.
Can HIV be spread from female parent to child?
In the course of gestation, childbirth, or breastfeeding, HIV may be passed from mother to child, it's the most popular way that a child gets infected with the virus. However, because of advancements made in HIV treatments, this way of transmission is becoming less prominent. The number of babies born with HIV has diminished because of guidelines that check all pregnant women for the virus and additional HIV care that is started as soon as possible. The risk of transmitting HIV to a child is less than 1%, if and only the mother takes her HIV medication as prescribed during pregnancy and childbirth, and if the baby is administered medicine for 4 to 6 weeks after birth.
How does HIV not Spread?
HIV cannot live outside of the human body for long periods of time (for example, on surfaces), and it’s also not able to replicate outside of a human host. Therefore, HIV cannot be spread through Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, etc. It cannot be spread through saliva, tears, and sweat. It does not get transmitted by hugging a person, shaking their hands, using the same bathrooms, using the same plates, or by closed-mouth kissing or cheek kissing. Also, it does not get transmitted by other forms of sexual activity such as touching. Lastly, the virus is not airborne so it cannot be acquired via the environment.
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How Its spread: About My Project
How to differentiate between HIV and AIDS.
HIV is a type of virus that works by attacking the body's immune system CD4 T cells. AIDS can then develop if HIV is not treated (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and when the CD4 T cells count in the body is lower than 200. People who acquire HIV are infected for the rest of their lives. HIV, on the other hand, can be managed with the right medical care. People living with HIV who receive efficient HIV treatment can live healthy lives and play a positive role in their communities.
How does HIV affect the body?
Within 2 to 4 weeks of infection, some people develop flu-like symptoms known as AIDS. These symptoms developed can last from a couple of days to several weeks. The common effects of HIV on the body include shivers, skin rash as a result of a fever, night sweats, soreness of the muscle, sore throat, fatigue, expanded lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers are all possible indications.
If HIV is left untreated, then the virus can progress into three different stages. The first stage is known as Acute HIV Infection, and the typical signs presented are flu-like symptoms. During this stage, there is a high viral load in the body because the virus is replicating at a fast pace. The immune system will respond by making antibodies that will try to block the virus from progressing. The second stage is Chronic HIV infection; during this stage, HIV is reproducing at low levels however the virus is still highly transmissible. This stage is also known as the latent stage because it lasts for many years and slowly causes a decrease in the number of CD4 T cells in the body. In stage 3, AIDS develops if the individual is not treated with the appropriate medicine to slow or prevent the development of the infection. Also during this stage, a decrease in CD4 T cells leaves the individual’s immune system weak and vulnerable to opportunistic disease. If not treated, individuals that reach this stage are expected to survive around 3 years.
How Its spread: Welcome
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