HIV damages a person's immune system by destroying the body's T cells and, over the course of time, can lead to AIDS. HIV and AIDS do not discriminate and infect people regardless of age, sex or race. There are certain risk factors, however, that can increase the chance of HIV transmission. Understanding these and taking proactive measures to avert them can help stop the spread of AIDS and HIV.
Unprotected Sex
The Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control are unequivocal that unprotected sex, whether between HIV-infected heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual partners, is the main way that HIV is spread. While all unprotected sex with someone who has HIV is risky, failure to use a condom during anal sex is riskier than unprotected vaginal sex. There is also risk for HIV transmission during oral sex, but this risk is much lower than with other types of sex.
Drug Use
The CDC also notes that sharing needles during intravenous drug use is also a risk factor for HIV transmission. This includes sharing of syringes, rinse water or any other equipment used in drug injection.
Birth by an Infected Mother
Children born to HIV infected mother are also at risk for HIV, according to the CDC. The March of Dimes notes that anti-retroviral therapies, along with a Caesarean delivery, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission from 25 to 2 percent. Infected pregnant women should begin treatment during the beginning of the second trimester and continue until the baby's birth. The website also recommends that babies born to HIV-positive mothers should receive anti-retroviral therapy for the first six weeks of life.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The Mayo Clinic website states that the presence of sexually transmitted diseases is also a risk factor for HIV transmission. Examples of STDs include syphilis, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea. According to the CDC, HIV transmission may be greater because STDs can cause breaks or irritations in the skin, making it easier for HIV to enter the body during sex. Someone with both an STD and HIV is five times more likely to transmit HIV through sexual contact, according to the CDC, than someone with HIV who is STD-free.
