How is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmitted?

How is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmitted?

• A. Airborne transmission
• B. Blood contact and other body fluids
• C. Water contact
• D. Skin contact only

Answer: (B)

HIV transmission occurs through contact with infected blood and certain body fluids that can reach another person’s bloodstream or mucous membranes. The fluids that carry a risk are blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. Transmission happens when these fluids come into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes or are directly injected into the bloodstream, such as through sharing needles or from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding. It is not spread by breathing air, drinking water, or casual skin-to-skin contact, so those routes aren’t ways the virus moves. Understanding these routes helps explain why prevention focuses on barrier protection during sex, avoiding sharing needles, and safe handling of blood products.

HIV transmission occurs through contact with infected blood and certain body fluids that can reach another person’s bloodstream or mucous membranes. The fluids that carry a risk are blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. Transmission happens when these fluids come into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes or are directly injected into the bloodstream, such as through sharing needles or from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding. It is not spread by breathing air, drinking water, or casual skin-to-skin contact, so those routes aren’t ways the virus moves. Understanding these routes helps explain why prevention focuses on barrier protection during sex, avoiding sharing needles, and safe handling of blood products.