HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that weakens the immune system. It destroys the important cells of the body that fight infection, with symptoms mimicking other viruses like the flu. Over time, HIV makes it impossible for the body to fight simple infections, resulting in life-threatening conditions. Prevention of HIV contamination is the best defense against the disease.
Unprotected Sex
HIV is spread through blood, vaginal fluids and semen. For this reason, unprotected sex is one of the major causes of contamination. When having intercourse, little tears are made in the vagina and anus. The virus enters the bloodstream through these tears. MayoClinic.com explains that unprotected anal sex poses a greater danger than unprotected vaginal sex.
Illicit Drug Use
The use of illegal street drugs through injectable needles poses a great risk for HIV contamination. The virus is easily spread from one drug user to another when an infected person injects a drug into his arm, leaving his blood in the needle. As other users share this needle, they inject his infected blood into their bloodstreams.
Infected Mother
A mother can spread the virus to her child in multiple ways, though there are means of preventing infection in the child. While pregnant, she can take antiretroviral medications to prevent the spread of infection to her child. When in labor, she can choose a cesarean section to reduce the extent the baby comes into contact with her bodily fluids. After delivery, choosing to bottle-feed prevents the HIV antibodies in her breast milk from contaminating her child's immune system.
