AIDS is one of the leading causes of death for Americans between
the ages of 25 and 44, according to the
CDC. It is widely believed that most
people in their twenties who have AIDS actually became infected with HIV in
their teenage years.
The Sedgwick County Health Department offers:
What Is HIV?
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. A member of a
group of viruses called retroviruses, HIV infects human cells and uses the
energy and nutrients provided by those cells to grow and reproduce.
What Is AIDS?
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease in which the body's
immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off certain infections, known
as "opportunistic infections," and other illnesses that take advantage of a
weakened immune system.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
A person who is HIV-infected carries the virus in certain body fluids,
including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The virus can be
transmitted only if such HIV-infected fluids enter the bloodstream of another
person. This kind of direct entry can occur (1) through the linings of the
vagina, rectum, mouth, and the opening at the tip of the penis; (2) through
intravenous injection with a syringe; or (3) through a break in the skin, such
as a cut or sore. Usually, HIV is transmitted through:
- Unprotected sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal) with someone
who is HIV-infected.
Women are at greater risk of HIV infection through vaginal sex than men,
although the virus can also be transmitted from women to men. Anal sex
(whether male-male or male-female) poses a high risk mainly to the receptive
partner, because the lining of the anus and rectum are extremely thin and
filled with small blood vessels that can be easily injured during
intercourse.
- Unprotected oral sex with someone who is HIV-infected.
There are far fewer cases of HIV transmission attributed to oral sex than to
either vaginal or anal intercourse, but oral-genital contact poses a clear
risk of HIV-infection, particularly when ejaculation occurs in the mouth.
This risk is increased when either partner has cuts or sores, such as those
caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), recent tooth-brushing, or
canker sores, which can allow the virus to enter the bloodstream.
- Sharing needles or syringes with someone who is HIV-infected.
Laboratory studies show that infectious HIV can survive in used needles for
a month or more, and should never reuse or share syringes, water, or drug
preparation equipment. This includes needles or syringes used to inject
illegal drugs such as heroin, as well as steroids. Other types of needles,
such as those used for body piercing and tattoos, can also carry HIV.
- Infection during pregnancy, childbirth, or breast-feeding
(mother-to-infant transmission).
Any woman who is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant and thinks she
may have been exposed to HIV even if the exposure occurred years ago should
seek testing and counseling. Mother-to-infant transmission has been reduced
to just a few cases each year in the U.S., where pregnant women are tested
for HIV, and those who test positive are provided with drugs to prevent
transmission and counseled not to breast-feed.
How Is HIV Not Transmitted?
HIV is not an easy virus to pass from one person to another. It is not
transmitted through food or air (for instance, by coughing or sneezing). There
has never been a case where a person was infected by a household member,
relative, co-worker, or friend through casual or everyday contact such as
sharing eating utensils and bathroom facilities or hugging and kissing. (Most
scientists agree that while HIV transmission through deep or prolonged
"French" kissing may be possible, it would be extremely unlikely.)
Here in the U.S., screening the blood supply for HIV has virtually
eliminated the risk of infection through blood transfusions. (And you cannot
get HIV from giving blood at a blood bank or other established blood
collection center.) Sweat, tears, vomit, feces, and urine do contain HIV, but
have not been reported to transmit the disease (apart from two cases involving
transmission from feces via cut skin). Mosquitos, fleas, and other insects do
not transmit HIV.
Resource Link:
The Body, An AIDS and HIV Information
Resource
©, Copyright, 2002 Sedgwick County Health Department
last update:
04/30/08
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