Blood
Blood to blood contact is the most effective way for HIV to transmit. The most likely scenario for this to occur is through sharing needles, (whether it is for tattoos and piercings, testosterone shots, or with intravenous injection equipment). Because needles are an airtight space, HIV positive blood can be shot directly into another’s blood stream. Illegal intravenous drug users are often shunned by communities and associated with HIV.
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Semen
Semen is likely to transmit HIV during sexual contact. In order for transmission to occur one partner must be HIV positive. The fluid must somehow come into contact with the negative person’s blood stream. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the group most often associated with this form of transmission. Due to the moral objections associated with this life style people who are positive are often assumed to be associated with MSM. But semen is most risky for the person receiving the fluid. Woman are at risk if they are with partners where they don’t know their status.
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Vaginal Fluids
Vaginal fluid is likely to transmit HIV during sexual contact. In order for transmission to occur on partner must be HIV positive. The fluid must come into contact with the negative person’s blood stream. This can happen through mucus membranes such as the vagina, or through he opening of the penis.
In thinking about HIV transmission during sex (oral, vaginal, anal), it is important to think about which fluids you are coming into contact with and how are they getting to your blood stream through a mucus membrane. In anal sex, the person receiving the fluid is most at risk. The anus has a very thin mucus membrane. In vaginal sex it is most risky for the person receiving fluids. In oral sex, it is important to think about who is receiving fluids. The throat and mouth in itself can be transmission routes if there is swelling from a sore through or cuts in the mouth or throat. Once the fluid is swallowed the stomach acids kill HIV.
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Breast Milk
Breast milk of an HIV positive mother can transmit HIV to the child once it is born, and it is important to use formula. If a mother is HIV positive, there are other precautions to take to ensure that the virus is not spread. A mother will get on a safe HIV regiment for her virus, and the mother may have a cesarean section so the birth can be planned and controlled. Also once the child is born they are put on HIV medications right away to make sure the virus is not spread. This stops the transmission of HIV in almost 90% of cases!
Most women in this country are getting tested and they have access to health care and can make birthing plans and have access to resources to help them get formula. In the developing world this is not the case.
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