Home
Articles
Q&A

What are the main transmission routes of AIDS?

Dec 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, AIDS is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and its main transmission routes include heterosexual transmission, male-to-male sexual transmission, sharing of injection equipment, iatrogenic blood transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. Preventing AIDS requires practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing injection equipment, and seeking medical care only at正规 medical institutions.

HIV/AIDS is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Its main transmission routes include heterosexual transmission, male-to-male sexual transmission, sharing of contaminated syringes, iatrogenic blood-borne transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Heterosexual transmission: Unprotected heterosexual intercourse is currently the most common mode of transmission. The mucous membranes of the reproductive tract are easily damaged during sexual activity, allowing the virus to enter through breaks in the tissue. Having multiple sexual partners or engaging in condomless sex with an infected person significantly increases the risk of infection. In the past five years, over 70% of newly diagnosed cases have been attributed to heterosexual transmission.

2. Male-to-male sexual transmission: During male homosexual intercourse, the rectal mucosa is more fragile and prone to injury, increasing the likelihood of viral entry. Without proper protective measures, the risk of infection is significantly higher than in other forms of sexual activity, and the infection rate among this population is higher than in the general population.

3. Sharing of contaminated syringes: Injecting drug users who share unsterilized syringes can directly lead to cross-infection via blood containing the virus. This mode of transmission is highly efficient and was once one of the primary routes; it still persists among high-risk groups today.

4. Iatrogenic blood-borne transmission: Infection may occur through the use of inadequately sterilized dental instruments, tattooing tools, or transfusion of unscreened blood products. However, with improved medical regulations and safety standards, such transmission has been effectively controlled.

5. Mother-to-child transmission: Infected mothers can transmit the virus to their children during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, with standardized antiviral treatment during pregnancy and preventive medication for newborns, the rate of mother-to-child transmission has been reduced to a very low level.

Preventing HIV requires consistent practice of safe sex, avoiding sharing of needles, and seeking medical care only at正规 healthcare facilities. Timely treatment for people living with HIV can reduce infectivity. Society should work together to eliminate stigma and strengthen prevention efforts.

Related Articles

View All
Can you eat cauliflower when you have a cold and fever?
In general, it is acceptable to eat cauliflower when having a cold or fever, but attention should be paid to the cooking method—opt for light preparations and avoid spicy or irritating seasonings. Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and various minerals. Vitamin C helps boost immunity, while dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility and aids digestion, making it suitable for individuals experiencing physical weakness and reduced digestive function during a cold or fever.
avatar
Dr. Ren Yi
View Full Answer
What conditions can kill the HIV virus?
There are several conditions that can kill the HIV virus, including high-temperature treatment, use of disinfectants, exposure to dry environments, ultraviolet irradiation, and antiviral medications. Items containing HIV can be placed in a 100°C environment for more than 20 minutes, or treated under high-pressure steam at 121°C for 15 minutes, which destroys the viral protein structure.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
Three major symptoms of HIV in men
There is no such thing as the "three symptoms of HIV in men." After men are infected with HIV, they may experience systemic symptoms during the acute phase, latent manifestations during the asymptomatic phase, immunosuppressive symptoms during the AIDS stage, mucocutaneous lesions, and abnormalities in the digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms gradually emerge as the disease progresses. If someone has engaged in high-risk behaviors and develops related symptoms, or suspects infection, medical evaluation is recommended.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
What percentage should adherence to antiviral medication for HIV treatment achieve?
Adherence to antiviral therapy for HIV must reach over 95%, which is a critical requirement for suppressing viral replication and controlling disease progression; falling below this level significantly compromises treatment effectiveness. If long-term adherence is inadequate or adverse drug reactions occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended to adjust the treatment regimen. This level of adherence means missing no more than 1–2 doses per month.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
What are the early physical symptoms of AIDS?
In general, the early stage of AIDS is the acute phase following viral invasion of the body, and common physical symptoms include persistent low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, gastrointestinal discomfort, and sore throat. Early symptoms of AIDS are nonspecific and can easily be mistaken for a cold or common infection. Individuals with a history of high-risk behaviors who experience these symptoms should promptly undergo HIV antibody testing.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
What are the oral mucosal manifestations of AIDS?
In general, due to impaired immune function, HIV/AIDS patients are prone to various oral mucosal lesions. Common manifestations include oral candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia of the tongue, recurrent herpes outbreaks, linear gingival erythema, and persistent oral ulcers. These oral symptoms are often early signs of AIDS, and individuals with high-risk behaviors should be vigilant.
avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
View Full Answer
What should be done for long-term low-grade fever in AIDS patients?
In general, the main approaches to managing long-term low-grade fever in HIV patients include adequate rest, physical cooling, medication, nutritional support, and screening for complications. Additionally, patients must strictly follow medical advice regarding medication use and should not discontinue or adjust dosages on their own, especially antiviral drugs, which must be taken at regular times and correct doses to prevent drug resistance. Regular monitoring of viral load and immune function is also necessary.
avatar
Dr. Li Feng
View Full Answer
What should I do about swollen lymph nodes in the neck due to AIDS?
In general, the management of neck lymph node enlargement in AIDS patients mainly includes supportive care, antiviral therapy, anti-infective treatment, traditional Chinese medicine, and immunomodulatory therapy. In addition, patients must strictly follow medical advice regarding medication and should not adjust dosages or discontinue treatment on their own. Regular follow-up tests for viral load, CD4 cell count, and lymph node status are necessary, along with proper personal protection to prevent transmission to others.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.