HIV Mode of Transmission

 An individual infected with HIV Carries the virus in the body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breasts milk. The virus can be transmitted only if such HIV infected fluids enter the bloodstream of another person. This kind of direct entry can take place in various ways:

 1. Though the linings of the vagina, rectum, mouth, and the opening at the tip of the penis;

 2. Though intravenous injection with a syringe;

 3. Though a break in the skin, such as a cut or sore.

 Usually HIV is transmitted though the following modes:

 • Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal , anal and oral) with partners infected with HIV;

 • Contact with semen and vaginal secretion of a person infected with HIV during various forms of sexual activities such as group masturbation;

 • Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral and anal) with prostitutes and injecting drug addicts;

 • Sharing needles or syringes with HIV infected person;

 • Open mouth kissing with HIV infected person;

 • Receiving blood transfusion from a person infected with HIV ;

 • Having tissue transplant from a person infected with HIV ;

 • Infection during pregnancy, child birth of breast feeding (prospective pregnant woman should be tested routinely for HIV. If test is positive the woman can be given drugs to prevent HIV from being passed on to the foetus or infant, and the woman is counselled not to breast feed.

 • Contact with blood, mucous membranes, infected objects such as clothing, genital secretions and even sore of HIV infected person.