How many ways are there for the transmission of HIV?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, there are five modes of HIV transmission, including sexual contact, blood transmission, mother-to-child transmission, organ transplantation, and artificial insemination. The HIV virus exists in large quantities in the semen and vaginal secretions of infected individuals. During sexual activity, friction between the genital organs can easily cause minor mucosal damage, leading to transmission.
Generally, there are three main ways through which HIV can be transmitted: sexual contact, blood transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Sexual Transmission
HIV exists in large quantities in the semen and vaginal secretions of infected individuals. During sexual activity, friction between the genital organs can easily cause minor mucosal damage, resulting in transmission.
2. Blood Transmission
If blood or blood products contaminated with HIV are transfused, the virus will directly enter the recipient's circulatory system through the bloodstream and rapidly spread throughout the body, leading to infection.
3. Mother-to-Child Transmission
An HIV-infected mother may transmit the virus to her child during any of the following stages: pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, which can result in the infant acquiring HIV infection.
In daily life, one should avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors that may be contaminated with blood, to prevent infection through minor wounds caused by contact with another person's blood.
