HIV, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system of the infected party, which could ultimately lead to a lethal breakdown of the body’s immune system. This virus is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), which means it is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with other infected parties. As of the time of writing, HIV cannot be cured.

To better understand HIV, here are the quick facts from HIV clinic in Singapore about how HIV is transmitted, and how to protect yourself against HIV infection.

Methods of HIV transmission
HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids, namely: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids and breast milk. HIV can only be transmitted when these fluids come into contact with damaged tissue, a mucuous membrane, or directly injected into the bloodstream. Let’s take a look at how these bodily fluids can transmit HIV.

Blood
When HIV transmission occurs by blood, it likely happens due to the transfer of blood from one person to another – there have been cases overseas where blood transfusions are conducted to save someone’s life, only for them to be infected with HIV.

Another common way HIV can transmit through blood is via the sharing of needles – this is especially common among drug users, who may not sterilise their needles when injecting drugs.

This particular mode of transmission also poses a risk to individuals working in healthcare. It is thus extremely important for such individuals to adhere and abide by safety precautions in the workplace, to ensure that they are not infected.

Semen and pre-seminal fluids
Semen and pre-seminal fluids are released from the penis during sex. Vaginal and anal tissue are mucous membranes, and can absorb semen and pre-seminal fluids into the bloodstream. This means that, as long as unprotected vaginal or anal sex happens, HIV can be transmitted.

As pre-seminal fluids also carry the virus, a male person does not necessary have to orgasm in order to transmit the virus – as long as there is penetration between the partners.

Rectal and vaginal fluids
As rectal and vaginal fluids also transmit HIV, the partner who is penetrated during sex can also transmit HIV to the penetrating party, as long as there is contact with the penis.

Breast milk
Mothers who are infected with HIV can pass the virus to the child through breastfeeding. This is more common in rural countries with lesser access to healthcare.

Preventing HIV

Knowing these methods of transmission, here are a few guidelines on preventing yourself from getting infected with HIV:

  • always wear a condom whenever you engage in penetrative sex, even if there is little to no chance of pregnancy
  • limit the number of sexual partners that you have
  • ensure that all needles you use are properly sterilised by a medical professional
  • don’t inject drugs
  • go for routine anonymous HIV testing in Singapore with your sexual partner to confirm both your HIV statuses
  • take pre-exposure prophylaxis – a medicine that helps your body build up immunity against a HIV infection