HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or sexual fluids. The infected fluids or blood need to come into contact with mucus membranes or open wounds in order for the virus to get into a new host body.
Sexual Contact
Any type of unprotected intercourse with someone who is infected with HIV can transmit the virus. This includes oral, vaginal and anal sex. The withdrawal method, in which a male withdrawals the penis during ejaculation, is not a safe sex procedure. To protect against HIV it is important to talk to intended sexual partners and always use protection in a non-monogamous relationship. The best form of protection during anal and vaginal sex is condoms, and condoms and dental dams for oral sex. Simple blood tests can be done after every sexual partner or upon deciding to enter a monogamous relationship to ensure safety of everyone involved. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that in 2007, approximately 80 percent of all HIV infections in the United States were caused by unprotected sex.
Needles
Many injectable-drug users use the same needle over and over again and will share needles. Needles come into direct contact with the veins and retain blood. Sharing needles will someone infected by HIV will put the infected blood directly into contact with the new vein. It is best to avoid injectable drug use, but if that is not a desired option, then there are needle exchange programs all through out the United States.
Additionally there can be needle stick accidents in the health care setting, when a health care worker is stuck with an infected needle. While needle stick accidents are common in a health care setting, the level of HIV transmission via a needle stick accident is less than 1 percent, according the the Mayo Clinic.
Mother to Child
A pregnant mother who has HIV can transmit the virus to the fetus or baby. The infant can become infected in utero, during delivery or through feeding on infected breast milk. In the United States, mothers to be are screened for HIV. If the mother is infected, retro-viral therapy can start. Treatment may also include a C-section instead of vaginal birth and avoiding breast feeding. According to Planned Parenthood, without treatment 1 in 25 babies born to infected mothers will get HIV, with treatment only 1 in 100 babies will become infected.
Blood Transfusion
This was a more common way to contract HIV in the 1970s and '80s. Since 1985 the United States has been testing for HIV in all donated blood, blood products and organs.
