How is HIV transmitted and prevented?

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HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids and can be prevented by safe sex, needle exchange, and antiretroviral therapy.

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is primarily transmitted through the exchange of certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. This typically occurs through sexual contact, sharing of needles for drug use, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It's important to note that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging or shaking hands, or through sharing food or water.

Sexual transmission is the most common way HIV is spread. The virus can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth during sexual activity. Unprotected sex, particularly anal or vaginal, significantly increases the risk of transmission.

Sharing needles or syringes for drug use is another common route of transmission. The blood remaining in the needle or syringe can carry the virus, and if it is injected into another person, it can transmit HIV.

Mother-to-child transmission can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, if the mother is on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced.

Prevention of HIV involves several strategies. Practising safe sex, including the use of condoms, can greatly reduce the risk of sexual transmission. Regular testing for HIV is also important, as it allows for early detection and treatment, which can prevent the spread of the virus.

For those who inject drugs, needle exchange programmes can provide clean needles and syringes, reducing the risk of transmission.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment for HIV that can also prevent transmission. If a person with HIV takes ART as prescribed, they can achieve an undetectable viral load, meaning the amount of HIV in their blood is so low it can't be detected by tests. This not only keeps the person healthy, but it also means they can't transmit the virus to others, a state known as 'undetectable equals untransmittable' (U=U).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are medications that can be taken by people who are at high risk of contracting HIV, to prevent them from getting the virus. PrEP is taken before potential exposure to HIV, while PEP is taken after a potential