HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is caused by a virus that spreads primarily through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus is commonly transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person, sharing needles or syringes for injecting drugs, blood transfusions with contaminated blood (rare in screened countries), and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV infects and destroys white blood cells called CD4 T cells, which are crucial for the immune system to fight infection. The loss of these cells leads to progressive immune system weakening. HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing household items, nor through air, water, or insect bites.
Summary of HIV transmission routes:
- Sexual contact without a condom with an infected partner
- Sharing needles or injection equipment
- Blood transfusions with infected blood (rare where screened)
- From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
HIV is not spread by:
- Casual contact like hugging or shaking hands
- Air, water, or insect bites
- Sharing food, drinks, or toilet seats
This information details the causes and transmission routes for HIV. If further details on prevention or treatment are needed, please ask.
