What Are The Common Ways You May Contract HIV?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has long been a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is feared for its lethality. The virus, which affects over 7,900 Singapore residents, slowly wears down the body’s immune system, thereby making it susceptible to other bacteria and viruses. Scientists have been attempting to find a cure for this virus, but, as of the time of writing, no cure has been discovered yet. Instead, HIV clinics work to give HIV patients access to relevant healthcare, such as medicines that can delay the later stages of the HIV infection. Unfortunately, the public is still unaware of exactly how HIV can transmit from one person to another. This article will explain the common methods of HIV transmission, namely: unprotected penetrative sex, sharing of needles and from mother to child.
Unprotected penetrative sex
The main way that HIV is transmitted is when an infected person has sex with an uninfected person without properly wearing a condom. This is because HIV is carried in sexual fluids (pre-seminal, seminal, vaginal and anal fluids). It does not matter whether the infected partner is the one penetrating or the receiving penetration. It also does not matter whether either partner achieves orgasm. So long as there is penetration involved, HIV can transmit. Wearing a condom provides a protective barrier for sexual fluids, thereby preventing HIV infections. Proper condom use can greatly reduce the chances of HIV transmission. It is important to note that an infected person’s saliva contains a negligible amount of HIV virus and it is almost impossible for HIV to be transmitted through oral sex or kissing.
Sharing of needles
Because HIV is present in the bloodstream after infection, sharing of unsanitized needles is a possible cause of HIV transmission. Fortunately, healthcare institutions such as HIV clinics in Singapore will ensure that all needles are completely sanitized before use, ensuring that such transmissions are impossible in clinics. However, it is possible for needles used in illegal or unsanitary ways to infect users with HIV. This is very common among drug abusers, especially those in the US. This is also the reason why blood donation services are very stringent on the profile of blood donors. In the past, it was possible for patients who needed organ transplants to contract HIV, but with increased healthcare regulations and more stringent checks, this has never happened in Singapore. To prevent HIV infection through this method, steer clear of drugs and ensure that whenever a needle is used to draw blood or inject medicine, it is done by a certified medical professional.
From mother to child
The last method of possible HIV transmission is from mother to child. HIV can be transmitted through the breastmilk of an infected mother and the most common way of such a transmission is to her child. HIV can also be transmitted to an unborn child if a pregnant mother is infected with HIV. While these occurrences are rare, it is still important to know of the possibility due to the potential dangers of contracting HIV.
Conclusion
HIV can be transmitted through a few methods, but new cases are mostly transmitted through unprotected penetrative sex. It is essential to put on a condom before sex in order to prevent potential HIV infections.
