How is AIDS primarily transmitted?

How is AIDS primarily transmitted?

• A. Through casual contact
• B. Through body fluids such as sexual intercourse, needles, infected blood, and maternal-fetal transmission
• C. Through airborne particles
• D. Through contaminated water

Answer: (B)

Transmission of HIV/AIDS occurs when the virus in certain body fluids enters another person's bloodstream or mucous membranes. The main routes are sexual contact involving semen or vaginal fluids, sharing needles or other equipment for injections, exposure to infected blood, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Casual contact like hugging or shaking hands, airborne spread, or drinking from contaminated water do not transmit HIV because the virus does not spread through these ordinary interactions or environmental exposures. Understanding these routes helps explain why protective measures like barrier contraception, safe needle practices, and treatment to reduce viral load in pregnant women are crucial for prevention.

Transmission of HIV/AIDS occurs when the virus in certain body fluids enters another person's bloodstream or mucous membranes. The main routes are sexual contact involving semen or vaginal fluids, sharing needles or other equipment for injections, exposure to infected blood, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Casual contact like hugging or shaking hands, airborne spread, or drinking from contaminated water do not transmit HIV because the virus does not spread through these ordinary interactions or environmental exposures. Understanding these routes helps explain why protective measures like barrier contraception, safe needle practices, and treatment to reduce viral load in pregnant women are crucial for prevention.