AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is the disease that results from a human immunodeficiency virus infection. The virus HIV can remain in the body for years before becoming AIDS and can be transmitted to others even if the infected individual has no symptoms. Being aware of how AIDS spreads and debunking the myths surrounding the disease can help people avoid catching HIV.
Transmission
There are many modes of transmitting the AIDS virus, but the basis of them all is an exchange of bodily fluids. Sexual intercourse is the primary method that spreading the virus, but it also may be transmitted via intravenous drug use, receiving a blood transfusion, having contact with the blood of an infected person and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Prevention Methods
Complete abstinence is the only surefire method of preventing AIDS via sexual transmission but practicing safe sex can help. This includes wearing a condom and avoiding the exchange of bodily fluids every time sexual activity takes place. Learning the HIV status of potential sexual partners can help prevent transmission.
Avoiding injected drugs and avoiding shared needles or syringes is another method of prevention.
Although the blood supply in the United States has undergone extensive testing since 1985, the blood supply in other countries is not necessarily as safe, so blood transfusions in countries with poor testing practices should be avoided if possible.
Individuals who work with AIDS patients or with human tissue or blood samples should wear protective gear, including gloves, masks and safety goggles.
Mother-to-Child Prevention
The use of anti-retroviral medication by an HIV positive pregnant woman can reduce her risk of transmitting the disease to her baby to less than 1%, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. After birth, HIV positive women should avoid breastfeeding their babies to prevent transmission of the virus via breast milk.
Post-Exposure
A course of drugs called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, may help prevent transmission of the virus if taken immediately after suspected exposure. Often used by medical workers who have accidentally become exposed to contaminated human blood or tissue, this course of treatment is routinely offered to rape victims and may be acquired by those who think they may have been exposed to HIV.
Myths and Misconceptions
There is no need to be concerned about HIV transmission via casual contact, even with someone who has full blown AIDS. Shaking hands, using the same toilet and sharing drinking glasses are all considered safe. No HIV transmission has ever been reported through restaurant food, being spit on, participating in sports with an infected individual, mosquito bites or being scratched, according to the CDC. In very rare cases, open-mouthed kissing when there were open sores in the mouth has been implicated as a possible transmission route, as has a human bite that broke through the skin and drew blood. No vaccine against HIV currently exists, although some labs are working on trying to develop one.
