Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global health concern. If not managed, it progressively weakens the body’s defenses against illness. Understanding HIV transmission is crucial for prevention and reducing stigma.
Understanding HIV
HIV targets and destroys specific immune system cells called CD4 cells. These cells are essential for fighting infections. HIV uses CD4 cells to replicate, reducing their numbers and gradually weakening the immune system. This makes the body more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers.
If left untreated, HIV can advance to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the infection’s most advanced stage. AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 cell count drops or when specific opportunistic infections develop. However, with consistent medical treatment, most individuals living with HIV do not progress to AIDS.
How HIV Can Be Transmitted From a Woman
HIV transmission from a woman involves specific bodily fluids contacting a mucous membrane, damaged tissue, or being directly injected into another person’s bloodstream. Primary transmission routes include sexual contact, sharing injection equipment, and mother-to-child transmission. For transmission to occur, the woman must have HIV and a detectable viral load.
Sexual transmission can occur from a woman to a male partner during vaginal sex, where vaginal fluids or blood can enter the penis. The risk increases with unprotected sex, the presence of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or open sores. Female-to-female sexual transmission is also possible, particularly through sharing sex toys or exposure to menstrual or vaginal blood if open sores or cuts are present.
Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment is a significant route of transmission. If a woman with HIV shares contaminated equipment, blood containing the virus can directly enter another person’s bloodstream. This direct blood-to-blood contact poses a high risk for HIV and other blood-borne infections.
HIV can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding, known as mother-to-child transmission. Without intervention, the risk of transmission ranges from 15% to 45%. However, advancements in medical care, including antiretroviral therapy for the mother, have dramatically reduced this risk to less than 1% in many regions.
Preventing HIV Transmission
Several effective strategies prevent HIV transmission. Consistent and correct use of condoms remains a reliable method for preventing sexual transmission by creating a barrier against bodily fluids. Condoms also protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves taking a daily medication to prevent HIV infection in HIV-negative individuals at risk. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective, reducing the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. For people who inject drugs, PrEP can reduce the risk by at least 74% when taken consistently.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency measure: a 28-day course of HIV medicines taken within 72 hours (three days) after a possible exposure. PEP can prevent the virus from establishing itself, with earlier initiation leading to better effectiveness. Regular HIV testing is crucial for both partners to know their status and seek appropriate prevention or treatment.
Treatment as Prevention (TasP) highlights that individuals with HIV who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed and achieve an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV. This means the amount of virus in their blood is too low to be detected, effectively preventing sexual transmission. Harm reduction strategies, such as syringe service programs providing clean needles, are vital for individuals who inject drugs, significantly reducing transmission risks.
Dispelling Common Myths
Many misconceptions persist about HIV transmission, often contributing to stigma. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing toilets or dishes. The virus cannot survive for long outside the human body and is not spread through air or water.
Mosquitoes or other insects cannot transmit HIV. The virus does not survive or replicate within the insect’s system. Additionally, HIV is not transmitted through saliva, tears, or sweat, unless these fluids are mixed with blood from a person with HIV.
Activities like sharing drinking fountains, swimming pools, or deep, open-mouth kissing do not transmit HIV. These myths often stem from a lack of understanding about the specific conditions required for HIV transmission, which primarily involve direct contact with certain bodily fluids.