Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections.
Failure to receive care or late detection of HIV puts the patient at risk of developing AIDS, a condition that weakens the body and is life-threatening.
Ways of transmission
HIV can be transmitted through certain bodily fluids, such as:
- Having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with a person who has HIV. This is the most common way it spreads.
- Sharing needles for drug use.
- Contact with the blood of a person who has HIV. This occurs only when infected blood enters a person’s bloodstream directly; simple skin contact is not enough.
- From mother to fetus during pregnancy.
- From mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding.
- Semen, pre-seminal fluid, and vaginal and rectal secretions.
Contacts that do NOT transmit the virus
- Kissing, hugging, or shaking hands.
- Saliva, tears, or sweat.
- Sharing glasses, plates, food, or cutlery.
- Using public restrooms, swimming pools, or showers.
It is important to understand that the virus does not survive or spread through daily or casual contact.