HIV/AIDS Risk factors & prevention

HIV is transmitted between individuals via bodily fluids, and primarily through sexual contact. The virus can transmit when infected bodily fluids (blood, semen, seminal fluid, rectal fluids and vaginal fluids) from one person make contact with broken tissue or the mucus membrane on another person. HIV-infected pregnant women can pass on the virus to their infant during childbirth, or through breast milk. HIV is not spread by air/water, tear/saliva/sweat, hand-shaking or cohabitation with an infected individual. Activities that allow contact with another person’s bodily fluids and increase the chances of contracting HIV include:

• Sexual activity.  Unprotected anal, vaginal and oral sex with an infected partner allows HIV to pass from the blood, vaginal/rectal fluids or semen through sores or open skin. This risk is higher for those who have unprotected sex with multiple partners.


• Needle sharing. Sharing needles and other devices used for intravenous drug delivery carries a high risk for transmitting this disease. Traces of blood in the syringe or device from one user can pass to other users.


• Occupational hazards. Nurses, doctors and scientists who have frequent contact with human bodily fluids are considered high-risk. For example, an accidental needle prick while treating an infected patient can transmit this disease to the caregiver.


• Mother-to-infant contact. Expectant mothers with this disease can infect their child during childbirth or afterwards through breast milk. Routine prenatal screening and timely therapy can significantly lower this risk.


• Blood transfusions. Although blood banks screen donated blood for and other diseases, there is a small risk of acquiring HIV during a blood transfusion.

Early stage infection typically produces flu-like symptoms that appear within 2–4 weeks of infection.

• Fever


• Headaches


• Muscle pain and fatigue


• Sore throat


• Swollen glands


• Rash.

The most effective way to prevent this disease infection/transmission is by avoiding activities that allow exchange of bodily fluids with others. Anyone suspecting an infection should be tested for HIV. Following a positive HIV diagnosis, it is vital to contact existing and previous sexual partners who might have become infected.

Prevention

• Safe sex. Using a new, un-compromised condom during sex prevents the transmission of virus through open sores or open skin.


• Occupational safety. Medical care providers and scientists who frequently treat patients or handle patient samples must use personal protection equipment and follow safety guidelines set by their respective institutions.


• Needle exchange programs.  These programs provide sterile needles to those who inject drugs.


• Prophylactics. This preventative option is available to at-risk groups who are not already infected with HIV. The combination drug Truvada was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012 for preventing HIV infection; Truvada is also used to treat HIV.