AIDS, also known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is the late stage of the HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, infection. Once the HIV infection reaches the last stage, the immune system is weak and unable to ward off diseases and cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To stop the transmission of this disease, a person must first know how AIDS is spread.
Anal, Vaginal or Oral Sex
Sexual intercourse is the most common mode of transmission, as a partner's blood and sexual secretions all contain the HIV infection. During intercourse, small tears can develop in the rectum or vagina, making them an easy route for the virus to enter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that unprotected anal sex is riskier than unprotected vaginal sex, and those with multiple sex partners are at greater risk. Having another sexually transmitted disease also raises the stakes. While oral sex is a mode of transmission, it is rare. Those who participate in this type of sex need to beware of any open sores in their mouths, as these are how the blood of an infected person enters their own bloodstream.
Sharing Needles and Syringes
People who participate in illicit drug use, or who use street drugs requiring needles or syringes, can easily pass the AIDS infection on to another person when sharing their paraphernalia. An infected person who injects a needle or syringe into his body inevitably leaves a minimal amount of his blood in it. The next person using the same needle to inject a drug into her system also receives the blood of the infected person.
Mother-to-Child
A mother can pass AIDS on to her unborn child in a variety of ways, the first being in utero. She can reduce this risk by receiving treatment during her pregnancy.
The next mode of transmission is during delivery as the baby passes through her vagina, coming into contact with her blood and bodily fluids. As Avert, a National AIDS charity explains, mothers can reduce this risk factor by having a Cesarean section rather than a natural delivery.
The last mode of transmission is through her breast milk. This liquid contains HIV antibodies, therefore choosing to bottle feed reduces, if not completely eliminates, the child's risk of developing HIV or AIDS.
Accidental Needle Stick
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, those working in the health care field are at a slight risk for developing AIDS via accidental needle sticks. These can occur when giving a patient medication or drawing blood for a blood test. While it may not be possible to completely prevent these accidental sticks from occuring, using the precautions the facility has in place decreases the risk.
Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions are another rare, yet possible mode of AIDS transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1985, the United States became stricter about testing the blood from donors. Since implemented, blood banks and hospitals have strictly adhered to the new testing requirements, greatly reducing, if not eliminating, the risk of AIDS transmission via blood transfusions.
