THE SPREAD OF HIV

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS ), now known as the humanimmunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) is present in the blood and genital secretionsof virtually all individuals infected with HIV, regardless of whether or notthey have symptoms.

The spread of HIV can occur when these secretions come in contact with tissuessuch as :

• Lining the vagina
• Anal area
• Mouth
• Eyes ( the mucus membranes )
• A break in the skin, such as from a cut or puncture by aneedle

The most common ways in which HIV is spreading throughoutthe world include :

• Sexual contact
• Sharing needles
• Transmission from infected mothers to their newborns duringpregnancy
• Labor ( the delivery process )
• Breast-feeding

The spread of HIV by exposure to infected blood usuallyresults from sharing needles, such as :

• Sharing needles used for illicit drugs
• Sharing needles for anabolic steroids to increase muscle
• Tattooing
• Body piercing

There is little evidence that HIV can be transferred bycasual exposure, as might occur in a household setting. For example, unlessthere are open sores or blood in the mouth, kissing is generally considered notto be a risk factor for transmitting HIV. This is because saliva, in contrastto genital secretions, has been shown to contain very little HIV. Still,theoretical risks are associated with the sharing of toothbrushes and shavingrazors because they can cause bleeding, and blood contains large amounts ofHIV. Consequently, these items should not be shared with infected persons.Similarly, without sexual exposure or direct contact with blood, there islittle if any risk of HIV contagion in the workplace or classroom.

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