Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). According to the world Health Organization (WHO), 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV worldwide in 2008. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has a list of common ways of contracting HIV.
Unprotected Sexual Intercourse
According to the CDC, HIV is mainly contracted through having unprotected sexual intercourse with people who are infected with HIV. HIV-infected semen and vaginal secretions infect mucous membranes during unprotected vaginal and anal sex. The risk of contracting HIV through sexual intercourse is increased when a person has sores on the genitals. People can protect themselves from contracting HIV by using condoms during sexual intercourse.
Contaminated Needles
According to the CDC, HIV can be transmitted through the sharing of contaminated needles and syringes. Drug users who inject drugs can contract HIV when they share needles and syringes with HIV infected people. HIV can also be transmitted through use of unsterilized needles for tattoos and body piercings
Mother to Child Transmission
Pregnant women can transmit HIV virus to their unborn babies. The CDC reports that HIV can pass through the placenta and infect the unborn child. There are drugs given to HIV-infected pregnant women in order to reduce HIV transmission to their unborn children. Their babies are also delivered by Caesarean section so as to reduce the risk of HIV transmission during birth.
Breastfeeding
According to the CDC, HIV virus is found in breast milk, and infants can contract the virus if they are breastfed by HIV infected mothers. HIV positive mothers are advised to bottle feed their children in order to avoid transmitting the HIV virus to their children.
Unprotected Oral sex
According to aids.org,there have been cases of HIV transmission from performing oral sex on a person infected with HIV. The risk of contracting HIV through oral sex is increased when a person has cuts and sores in the mouth. People can protect themselves from contracting HIV by using plastic food wraps, dental dams and condoms during oral sex.
Contaminated Blood Transfusions
The CDC states that HIV can be transmitted from contaminated blood transfusions. This is no longer a common way of contracting HIV in the United States because donated blood is screened for HIV
Other Rare Transmission Methods
According to the CDC, HIV can be transmitted through accidental needle injury, transplant with infected organs and artificial insemination with infected semen. These methods of contracting HIV are very rare in the United States.
