What are the most efficient means of transmitting HIV from one person to another person?
HIV and other viruses related to AIDS are transmitted through direct contact of the bloodstream or mucous membrane with any body fluids that contain HIV. This includes semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, blood, and breast milk. Having unprotected oral sex with someone who has HIV especially if there is ejaculation in the mouth will raise the risk of transmission if the partner has cuts or sores in his/her mouth. The sharing of contaminated hypodermic needles or syringes increases the likelihood of being infected with HIV by transmitting infected blood directly into another person’s blood stream. Pregnant women may transmit the HIV infection into unborn babies through fluid exchange, childbirth, or breast-feeding. The transferring of another’s blood into one’s body is a sure way of contamination. |
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