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What are the transmission routes of AIDS?

May 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the transmission routes of HIV include sexual contact, blood contact, mother-to-child transmission, indirect contact transmission, and occupational exposure transmission. Understanding the transmission routes of HIV is important for its prevention. In daily life, one should avoid unsafe sexual practices, not share needles, and avoid high-risk behaviors such as unnecessary blood transfusions and injections.

Generally, the transmission routes of HIV include sexual contact, blood contact, mother-to-child transmission, indirect contact transmission, and occupational exposure transmission. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Sexual Contact Transmission

This is the primary route of HIV transmission. HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact between heterosexuals or homosexuals. During sexual activity, the HIV virus can spread through the exchange of semen, vaginal secretions, and blood. Using condoms can effectively reduce the risk of sexual transmission but cannot completely eliminate it.

2. Blood Contact Transmission

Transmission can occur through receiving blood or blood products contaminated with HIV, or undergoing organ transplants, artificial insemination, or using contaminated medical instruments from an HIV-infected individual. Additionally, drug users sharing intravenous needles can also lead to the transmission of HIV between individuals.

3. Mother-to-Child Transmission

Mother-to-child transmission, also known as vertical transmission, occurs when a pregnant woman infected with HIV transmits the virus to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The main routes of mother-to-child transmission include placental transmission, birth canal transmission, and breastfeeding transmission.

4. Indirect Contact Transmission

Indirect contact transmission refers to infection caused when body fluids or tissue contaminants containing HIV enter the body—for example, sharing needles or syringes, coming into contact with contaminated clothing, towels, razors, or other items. If these personal hygiene items have been used by an infected person and others use them in a way that causes skin or mucous membrane injuries, HIV infection may occur.

5. Occupational Exposure Transmission

In medical or dental procedures, healthcare workers may accidentally come into contact with the blood of an infected person—such as via needle-stick injuries or blood splashes during surgery—which may lead to HIV infection through occupational exposure. However, appropriate preventive measures can reduce the risk of infection.

Understanding the transmission routes of HIV is crucial for its prevention. In daily life, one should avoid unsafe sexual practices, not share injection equipment, and avoid unnecessary blood transfusions and injections—high-risk behaviors. At the same time, attention should be paid to the safe use of personal hygiene products, and necessary protective measures should be taken to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. If you suspect that you may have been infected with HIV, seek medical attention promptly and undergo relevant testing.

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