How is HIV/AIDS transmitted?
Apr 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
HIV infection is primarily transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids. The main infectious bodily fluids include semen, blood, vaginal secretions, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue from individuals exhibiting neurological symptoms. Although HIV can also be detected in other bodily fluids—such as tears, saliva, and sweat—the viral load is extremely low and generally insufficient to cause transmission.
Currently, there are numerous individuals living with HIV/AIDS, primarily due to lack of awareness and precautions regarding sexual activity in daily life. Through what routes is HIV transmitted?
What are the modes of HIV transmission?
HIV infection primarily spreads through the exchange of bodily fluids. Key infectious fluids include semen, blood, vaginal secretions, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue from individuals exhibiting neurological symptoms. Although HIV can also be detected in tears, saliva, and sweat, the viral load in these fluids is extremely low and generally insufficient to cause infection.
Sexual transmission: HIV can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Concurrent sexually transmitted infections (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea, or genital warts) or genital ulcers significantly increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Semen or vaginal secretions from individuals living with HIV contain high concentrations of the virus, enabling transmission via anal or vaginal intercourse. Oral sex carries a relatively lower risk of transmission; however, HIV may still be transmitted if the uninfected partner has oral wounds, cuts, or sores—through contact with infected blood or semen.
If a mother is infected with HIV, she may transmit the virus to her infant during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, when antiretroviral therapy is administered appropriately during pregnancy, the risk of mother-to-child transmission decreases substantially—and in many cases, the infant remains completely HIV-negative and healthy. We hope this information is helpful to you.
