AIDS is a chronic, or long-term, life-threatening condition resulting from the HIV infection, according to MayoClinic.com. AIDS is the last stage of HIV, which weakens the immune system. Once a person enters the last stage of this disease, his body is unable to fight infections and certain cancers, thus making it so deadly. As of 2010, no cure is available, which is why knowing the modes of transmission is so invaluable.
Sexually
HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, making sexual transmission the most common mode of transmission. This includes all types of sexual intercourse--vaginal, anal and oral. During both vaginal and anal intercourse, small tears occur through which semen, vaginal secretions and blood can travel into a partner's bloodstream. This is when infection is spread. Oral sex, though a less common form of transmission, is still possible for those who participate in it. Anyone with open sores in their mouth are susceptible, as their partner's bodily fluids can enter these sores. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that people having unprotected anal sex face a greater risk than those having unprotected vaginal intercourse.
Transmission from Mother to Child
Another common mode of transmission is from a mother to her unborn child. When a woman first discovers she is pregnant, she undergoes a round of blood tests, most of which include testing for HIV antibodies. Should she test positive, her doctor can begin treating her while she is pregnant, which reduces the risk of the baby developing the virus.
Another way to prevent the baby from developing AIDS is for the mother to give birth with a cesarean section versus a natural vaginal delivery. This prevents the baby from coming into contact with its mother's bodily fluids.
The last preventive measure HIV-positive mothers can take is to bottle feed with formula rather than breast-feed. Breast milk contains the HIV antibodies, thus increasing the baby's risk of developing the virus.
Needles and Syringes
Drug abusers who share needles and syringes to inject drugs like heroin or cocaine place themselves at greater risk for developing AIDS. When an infected person injects a drug into his body, a small amount of his blood is left in the paraphernalia. The next user then injects not only the drug into her system, but also the blood from the prior user, as MayoClinic.com explains. Aside from stopping drug use, the best alternative is to use fresh needles and syringes rather than sharing.
Accidental Needle Stick
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that while a more rare mode of transmission, accidental needle sticks can occur, especially with those working in the health care field. This applies to nurses giving medications via syringes and needles, and phlebotomists having to draw blood. To help prevent the risk, health care professionals should wear two pairs of gloves and follow the safety precautions of their facility.
