AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by the disease HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is not the same as AIDS. HIV is a virus that kills or damages healthy cells of the body's immune system. Even though the body is programmed to fight viruses, HIV is so strong that it eventually destroys the body's ability to fight life-threatening infections and some cancers. It is important to note that people who have developed AIDS do not die from AIDS itself, but diseases, infections or cancers developed because of the body's inability to fight them off. There are five main avenues for developing HIV: Blood, breast milk, childbirth and unprotected sex.
Blood
According to EMedicineHealth.com, the most common way HIV is spread through blood is by IV drug users who share needles with infected individuals. In addition, HIV can be spread through blood transfusions if the blood is contaminated. Additionally, if infected person donates organs, the recipient of the organ may acquire HIV. Both of these occurences are rare, as donors are now tested for HIV to minimize this risk. Additionally, if one gets a tattoo or piercing using infected tools, one can get HIV in that manner as well, so always make sure you get sterilized tools.
Breast Milk/Childbirth
According to "HIV and Breast Feeding: What's a Mother to Do?" children can acquire HIV before birth during pregnancy, during delivery, and through breast-feeding. The most common way babies are infected is during delivery. Most babies born to HIV-positive mothers will not get HIV. Mothers with HIV are advised to give their babies formula instead of breast milk.
Unprotected Sex
One can be infected with HIV through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral intercourse with an infected person. The virus enters the body through vaginal discharge and penile discharge (semen). It is very rare to contract HIV through unprotected oral sex. Someone who already is infected with another STD is more likely to develop HIV when having intercourse with an infected partner.
How to NOT spread HIV
According to WomensHealth.gov, there are many myths of how to spread HIV. It cannot be spread through urine, sweat, sharing towels, swimming pools, or preparing food. The virus cannot be spread through saliva, unless it is contaminated with blood. Another myth is that HIV is only spread by gay men or drug users, and that one can "tell" that someone has HIV by how a person looks.
