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How is HIV transmitted from one person to another?

The spread of HIV from one person to another is known as transmission. This virus is transmitted only through certain bodily fluids from one person to another:

  • Blood

  • Semen

  • Pre-seminal fluid

  • Rectal secretions

  • Vaginal secretions

  • Breastmilk

The transmission of the virus, must be through a gateway, which are:

  • Vagina

  • Anus

  • Penis

  • Mouth

  • Exposed wounds

  • Eyes

Proven and defined vias of transmission are:

Via Sex: The virus is transmitted through unprotected vaginal or anal sex, that is, when a male or female condom is not used and you have sex with a person living with HIV.

Via Blood: Can occur through blood transfusions or organ transplants infected with HIV, although today strict protocol and verification of blood and organs is applied to prevent this risk. Blood transmission can also occur when sharing needles or syringes among intravenous drug users, unfortunately this type of infection transmission is becoming more frequent in several places in the world.

Via Birth (Mother - child): If a woman lives with HIV and is pregnant, there is a risk that she will transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy, delivery or even through breast milk. Fortunately, if the treatment is detected early and adhered to the mother during pregnancy, the probability that the baby is born healthy is very high.

How is HIV not transmitted?

HIV is not transmitted by:

  • Kissing

  • Hugging

  • Caressing

  • Touching

  • Greeting

  • Tears

  • Saliva

  • Sweat

  • Insect bites or pet bites

  • Talking or being near a person with HIV

  • Sharing plates, glasses, cutlery or clothes.

  • Swimming in the same pool or use the same toilet.

Sources:

avert. (Abril, 2018). ¿CÓMO CONTRAES EL VIH?. Recuperado de https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention/how-you-get-hiv

avert. (Abril, 2018). ¿CÓMO CONTRAES EL VIH?. Recuperado de https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention/myths

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