How is AIDS transmitted?

May 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the transmission routes of HIV/AIDS include sexual contact transmission, blood transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sharing injection equipment transmission, and occupational exposure transmission. The key to preventing HIV/AIDS lies in taking safety measures, such as correctly using condoms, not sharing needles, and ensuring that instruments used in medical and beauty services are properly sterilized.

Generally, the transmission routes of HIV/AIDS include sexual contact, blood transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sharing injection equipment, and occupational exposure. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Sexual Transmission

Sexual contact is the primary route of HIV transmission, including heterosexual intercourse, homosexual intercourse, and oral sex. During sexual activity, if protective measures are not taken, the HIV virus can be transmitted to a sexual partner through bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions.

2. Blood Transmission

Transmission can occur via blood by receiving HIV-contaminated blood or blood products, using unsterilized medical instruments such as syringes, needles, and surgical tools, or sharing needles for intravenous drug use.

3. Mother-to-Child Transmission

An HIV-infected mother may transmit the virus to her fetus or infant during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding. This mode of transmission is known as mother-to-child or vertical transmission.

4. Transmission via Shared Injection Equipment

When drug users share injection needles, cross-infection may occur if there is residual blood from an HIV-infected individual on the equipment. This represents a significant route of HIV transmission among intravenous drug users.

5. Occupational Exposure Transmission

Healthcare workers, police officers, and other occupational groups may become infected with HIV through occupational exposure, such as accidental needle-stick injuries with HIV-contaminated needles or mucosal contact with a patient's blood or bodily fluids during their work.

The key to preventing HIV/AIDS lies in taking safety precautions, such as correctly using condoms, not sharing needles, and ensuring that instruments used in medical care and cosmetic services are properly sterilized.

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