The term AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is given to the most advanced stages of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The immune cells are impaired or killed, devastating the body's ability to ward off infections and certain cancers. AIDS can be contracted in several ways.
Sexual Contact
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that HIV/AIDS is most commonly spread by sexual transmission. HIV/AIDS can be found in the blood, semen or vaginal secretions of an infected person. Engaging in unprotected sex with an infected partner can transmit the infection. The virus enters the body through the lining or small tears that develop during sexual activity. This can be the vagina, penis, anus or mouth. The virus can even be spread by using unclean sexual devices.
Needles
HIV/AIDS can be contracted through the sharing of used needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood. Other infectious diseases such as hepatitis can be obtained by using infected needles as well.
HIV/AIDS can be spread through accidental needle sticks. This can be from patient to health care worker or the other way around. This form of transmission is rare.
Infected Blood
A blood transfusion received around the time of 1978 to 1985 may be a risk factor in contracting HIV/AIDS, as reported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Since 1985, the blood supply in American hospitals and blood banks have been analyzed for HIV antibodies. The transmission of the virus from blood transfusions has been reduced due to the improvements in the screening process and donor recruitment.
Mother to Child
Babies born to mothers infected with the virus are at a greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. This can happen during pregnancy or delivery. Babies being breast-fed by infected mothers can also become infected with the virus. Anti-retroviral medications are made available as HIV treatment during pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic reports a significant reduction in the risk of babies contracting HIV when infected pregnant women receive proper treatment.
Other Methods
Organ and tissue transplants may facilitate the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Surgical instruments that aren't sterilized appropriately may also cause an individual to contract the virus, but both of these types of transmission are rare.
Misconceptions
Insect and animal bites cannot transmit the virus, as person-to-person contact is the most common method. HIV can be transmitted only from infected blood entering the body, so ordinary daily activities such as hugging, shaking hands and using a telephone will not transfer the infection.
