There are tons of myths out there on how HIV is transmitted. It is therefore crucial that you differentiate facts from rumors and understand how exactly this virus is transmitted from one person to the other.
Common myths on how HIV is transmitted
Some people believe that one can contract HIV from casual contact with an infected person or sharing some things like utensils, public space and more. We have listed many myths that are untrue and that you should not be worried when caught up in one of the situations.
- By hugging, sharing toilets, shaking hands, sharing utensils, social kissing/closed-mouth kissing with an infected person
By mosquito bites, ticks and other insects that suck blood
Through air
Through saliva, sweat, and tears that is not mixed with the blood of an infected individual
HIV transmission
In fact, it is only through contact of specific body fluids like blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk that HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another. It is only when these fluids come in contact with the mucous membrane or damaged body tissue or directly injected into the system that transmission will occur. Any activity that may result in such contact should be avoided to be able to avoid contracting the virus. Some of the typical activities that may cause transmission of the virus include;
- Unprotected sex (both anal and vaginal) with an infected person or indulging in such sexual activities without taking drugs that prevent or treat HIV- anal sex is said to be the riskiest type of sex that can result in transmission of the virus. However, vaginal sex too can result in transmission of the virus to either partner.
- Sharing of sharp objects like razor blades, syringes and other equipment for drug injections, as well as rinse water with an infected person. It is said that the virus can live for up to 42 days on used needles depending on such factors as temperature.
Other less common ways through which the virus is transmitted include
- Mother-to-child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding- the risk is even high if the infected mother is not taking HIV drugs. However, the latest requirement for all pregnant women to get HIV tested and start early treatment if found positive, the number of mother-to-child transmissions has considerably gone down.
- Getting stuck with an HIV-contaminated object like needles- this is mainly a risk factor for healthcare service providers.
Other ways through which the virus can be transmitted, though in sporadic cases
- Oral sex- there is a minimal risk of contracting HIV from oral sex unless an infected male ejaculates in his partner’s mouth or in case of open wounds or sores in the mouth
- Blood transfusion, organ transplants, and blood products from an infected person- this was only possible during the early days of HIV outbreak but not anymore since thorough testing has to be done today before any blood transfusion or organ/tissue transplant is done.
- Eating meals that have been pre-chewed by an infected person- this is possible especially for mothers who like to chew food for their children at the winning stage. It is even riskier when infected blood from the caregiver mixes with the food while chewing.
- Being bitten by an infected individual- this is rare, but in case of extensive tissue damage and blood contact, the virus is likely to be passed on. At no point, however, will the virus get transmitted if the skin is not broken.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/how-is-hiv-transmitted
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