What are the modes of transmission for AIDS?
Feb 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transmission, mother-to-child transmission, and other routes. During sexual activity, the mucous membranes of the genital organs come into close contact with bodily fluids such as the partner's semen and vaginal secretions. HIV can enter the bloodstream of a healthy person through minor breaks or abrasions on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
Generally, HIV can be transmitted in three ways: through sexual contact, through blood, and from mother to child. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Transmission through sexual contact
During sexual activity, the mucous membranes of the genital organs come into close contact with bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions. HIV present in the semen or vaginal secretions of an infected individual can enter the bloodstream of an uninfected person through tiny breaks or abrasions on the mucous membranes, thereby causing infection.
2. Transmission through blood
HIV is present in relatively high quantities in blood. If an uninfected person's wounds or mucous membranes come directly into contact with blood from someone infected with HIV, the virus may enter the body through these openings, leading to infection. Common situations include sharing injection needles, receiving blood transfusions, tooth extractions, tattooing, or ear piercing at unregulated medical facilities.
3. Mother-to-child transmission
During pregnancy, HIV can pass through the placenta into the fetus, causing infection. During delivery, as the fetus passes through the birth canal, it may come into contact with the mother's blood and vaginal secretions containing the virus, increasing the risk of infection. During breastfeeding, HIV may be present in breast milk, and the infant may become infected by ingesting the milk.
To prevent HIV infection, it is important to strengthen education and awareness, enhance self-protection consciousness, avoid high-risk behaviors, and cultivate healthy lifestyle habits.
