How is AIDS generated?
May 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
AIDS is a severe infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The development of AIDS primarily originates from infection with the HIV virus. Transmission routes of this virus mainly include blood contact, sexual transmission, mother-to-child transmission, sharing of injection equipment, and occupational exposure. Patients with AIDS can take various antiviral medications under the guidance of a physician.
AIDS is a severe infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The development of AIDS primarily originates from HIV infection, which can be transmitted mainly through blood contact, sexual activity, mother-to-child transmission, sharing needles, and occupational exposure. If concerns arise, it is recommended to seek medical consultation in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Blood contact: Infection can occur through transfusion of HIV-positive blood or blood products, or through sharing razors, tattoo instruments, etc., resulting in cross-blood infection. The virus enters the body through broken skin or mucous membranes.
2. Sexual transmission: Unprotected heterosexual or homosexual anal intercourse, vaginal intercourse, or oral sex can transmit the virus through mucosal damage or exchange of genital secretions. Anal intercourse poses a higher risk due to the fragility of the mucosa.
3. Mother-to-child transmission: Pregnant women infected with HIV can transmit the virus to their newborns through placental transmission, contact with infected birth canal fluids during delivery, or breastfeeding. The vertical transmission rate can reach 15%-45% without antiviral treatment.
4. Sharing needles: Intravenous drug users sharing needles or syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood can directly exchange blood, leading to infection. This is the primary route of HIV spread among drug users.
5. Occupational exposure: Healthcare workers may experience occupational infections through needle-stick injuries with contaminated needles or mucosal exposure to HIV-positive blood or body fluids. Post-exposure prophylaxis should be implemented immediately.
HIV-infected individuals can take various antiviral medications under a doctor's guidance, such as lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, efavirenz tablets, etc., to suppress HIV replication and delay disease progression.
