HIV is not transmitted through blood. Risk of HIV transmission from mother to child

Statistics show that not everyone knows how HIV is transmitted from person to person. More than 30 years ago, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was isolated. This disease is considered, if not the most terrible, then one of those. For over 30 years, this virus has swept across the entire planet, and there is practically no corner of the Earth left where a case of HIV infection has not been recorded. To date, more than 40 million people are carriers of this virus, and its spread is not only not decreasing, but is spreading at a high speed.

All about HIV

Many people are mistaken when they consider HIV and AIDS to be the same disease. But the connection is still there. The first to enter the body is the immunodeficiency virus. It can be present in the body for ten years, without showing itself in any way. Under certain circumstances, the virus can provoke an HIV infection, and already against the background of any disease, even a minor one, it can develop into AIDS. AIDS is a 100% fatal disease.

HIV originally originated in the countries of Central Africa, and there are hypotheses that this virus appeared a very long time ago, but was not known to doctors and scientists. In addition, some species of monkeys that lived on the same continent were carriers of this virus, and it is quite possible that people initially became infected from monkeys. In the 20th century, the movement of people, including from Africa, has become large-scale, and therefore the virus has spread beyond the African continent. In modern history, the first case of HIV infection was recorded in 1981, and since then this virus has triumphantly walked the planet.

HIV is one of the so-called retro viruses that can live in the human body for at least 10 years without showing any symptoms. At least more than half of the people infected with this virus do so. And this means that for all 10 years a person does not know about his illness, and can infect people in any quantity. Since HIV was isolated as a separate disease, research has been underway to find a cure for it. Alas, it has not yet been found. The virus enters the bloodstream and destroys healthy immune cells.

The body does not have the ability to fight this virus. For each HIV carrier, the period when almost all the cells responsible for immunity are destroyed lasts for a different time. It depends on many factors. For example, if a person did not suffer from any serious diseases before becoming infected, then it can be assumed that his immune system is in excellent condition. And this means that HIV will not show itself soon. And, conversely, if a person is sick with chronic diseases, or is at risk, then his immunity is already undermined, which means that the symptoms of the virus will appear much faster.

Back to index

HIV symptoms

Experts distinguish two phases of HIV infection, which, however, are not observed in all patients. The first phase - acute febrile - occurs in only 70% of infected people. Its symptoms are similar to the usual SARS, so often HIV is not diagnosed immediately after infection. About a month later, a low temperature is observed, about 37-37.5ºC, pain in the throat, as in infections of the upper respiratory tract. Frequent headaches may occur, as well as pain in the muscles and joints. Against the background of general malaise and poor sleep, irritability, drowsiness, lack of desire to eat appear, and, as a result, the patient loses weight before our eyes.

Stomach problems begin, there may be vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. The only alarming symptom may be hyperplasia of the lymph nodes not only in the neck, as with angina, but also in the groin and armpits. In a more serious acute phase, skin rashes or small sores can occur - sores on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and genitals. Usually, in almost 9 out of 10 patients, this phase passes quickly enough, all symptoms disappear, and the person feels much better.

Then, for several years, the carrier of the virus lives a normal life. But in every tenth patient, the disease has a rapid course of HIV infection, followed by a lightning-fast transition to AIDS. The second phase of HIV is called asymptomatic, and, judging by the name, it practically does not cause any concern to the patient. It can last from several days to several years. But sooner or later each of these phases turns into AIDS.

With AIDS, absolutely all systems of the patient's body cease to function, while all microorganisms living in the human body suddenly begin to act to the detriment. Gradually, symptoms of various diseases appear on the body both inside and outside, such as stomatitis, lichen of various types, diseases of the ear, throat and nose, inflammatory lesions of the gums and teeth, various allergic reactions that have not been observed before.

Every day the patient feels worse and worse, while the number of diseases increases. It seems that there is not a single living place on the patient's body. Against the background of all these inflammatory processes, the patient loses his appetite, sleep, rapidly losing weight in a short period of time.

Organic lesions of the central nervous system lead patients to nervous exhaustion and a severe nervous breakdown, when the patient tries to cut off all ties with relatives and friends, does not express a desire to communicate with anyone, leads a reclusive lifestyle.

Back to index

Risk group

There are certain categories of people who are at risk for contracting HIV. This does not mean that a person who is not at risk cannot be infected, but his risk percentage is several orders of magnitude lower. Symptoms of HIV can be detected in a person if he belongs to the following category:

• a drug addict who injects with syringes;
• a person of non-traditional sexual orientation, mostly men;
• a woman of the most ancient profession, working on the street;
• people who prefer non-traditional types of sex, for example, anal;
• people leading a promiscuous sex life, and not being protected at the same time;
• the category of citizens who are already sick with sexually transmitted diseases;
• the category of citizens who are donors and those who receive blood or its components;
• children still in the womb of an HIV-infected mother;
• doctors and nurses working with HIV patients and at blood transfusion points.

In recent years, the disease has progressed so much that HIV is transmitted in everyday life in several ways, for example, through a razor if several family members use it. Or when cut with a household knife or other piercing and cutting object, if the blood of a carrier of the virus gets on the resulting cut of a person who is not sick with HIV. This disease is no longer transmitted in everyday life; it cannot be contracted through saliva, household appliances or towels.

Back to index

How is HIV transmitted?

Since the virus has not yet been cured, and no cure has been found for AIDS, the most effective remedy for this serious disease is prevention. How do people get infected with HIV? Let's look at examples:

1. The first, and most common, way is sexual intercourse. Moreover, the variety of methods of sexual transmission is simply amazing. Sex between homosexuals, uncontrolled relationships of prostitutes, married couples or singles who practice anal sex, during which microcracks and lesions of the anus can occur, which is the trigger for HIV infection to occur. Young people who engage in promiscuity when neither they nor their partners are concerned about protection not only from HIV but also from STDs. You should know that women who have sex with a partner infected with HIV are 3 times more likely to become infected than men in a similar situation. Therefore, it is extremely important for a woman to take care of the availability of condoms, especially if there are several sexual partners. Here, the condition of the external and internal genital organs of a woman can also play a role. If a woman has cervical erosion or microcracks in the vagina, then the risk that HIV infection will occur increases several times.
2. HIV is transmitted through blood. How does HIV infection occur if donated blood is carefully checked on the latest machines, and the risk is minimized? This virus can be contracted not only by transfusion of blood or its products, but also by donating it, by cutting with a sharp object, if an HIV-infected person has previously been cut with it. This is dangerous because you can get infected in places where you don’t even imagine it. For example, in a dental clinic for dental treatment, in manicure and pedicure salons, when tools are used that have not been processed after an HIV-infected client.

HIV takes more and more lives every year. The number of infected people is not decreasing. The virus has been studied quite well by doctors and ways to prolong the life of the patient have been identified, although there is still no vaccine for the treatment of HIV infection. Know how HIV is transmitted; It is known that without treatment, the disease passes into the most difficult stage - AIDS. To protect yourself from infection, you need to know how HIV is transmitted.

The main danger of the human immunodeficiency virus is the weakening of the immune system due to the destruction of its cells. The virus is found only in laboratory tests.

How HIV is transmitted has long been known. The infection can be transmitted from person to person through body fluids: breast milk, blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid. For the spread of the virus, contact with the carrier of the disease and in a healthy person is necessary. Through this damage, the virus cells enter the bloodstream, and the person becomes infected.

You can acquire HIV infection in the following ways:

• sexual;
• parenteral;
• vertical (from mother to child).

There are also natural and artificial ways of infection.

Man-made routes of transmission of HIV infection include:

• (for example, for) without a sterilization process;
• transfusion of infected blood or components of this blood;
• organ or tissue transplantation from an HIV-infected donor;
• use of razors or other household appliances, .

Natural transmission routes of HIV infection are associated with sexual contact, as well as with the mother-child system.

Infection with AIDS is not possible through ordinary household contact.

sexual transmission of the disease

The most likely route of infection is sexual contact. The risk of getting infected from an infected person is very high. When friction occurs on the mucous membranes of the genitals, microdamages occur. Through them, the virus cells enter the blood of a healthy partner and begin their destructive action. Unprotected sexual contact at times increases the risk of infection. This is especially true for people who often change sexual partners.

The risk of developing a disease during anal sex is much higher than with traditional contact. In the anus there are no glands capable of producing secretions. Anal sexual contact inevitably leads to microtrauma. At the moment after the break of the condom, it is easy to become a carrier of the virus. It is easier for a woman to get infected from an infected man than vice versa.

If the couple is homosexual, then the passive partner's risk of contracting HIV is higher than the active partner's. Among same-sex couples, lesbian caresses are considered safe. Infection with the virus through a vibrator is unlikely. It is still recommended to wash the device with a hygienic agent when sharing.

The probability of infection with regular sex without a condom with a carrier of the virus is one hundred percent.

The risk of HIV infection is greatly increased if partners have ulcers, inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes of the genital organs, if HIV infection is accompanied by sexually transmitted diseases.

Parenteral route of transmission of HIV infection

In the last decade, the likelihood of contracting HIV in this way has decreased significantly. This risk of infection exists in people with drug dependence. The use of one syringe for several people increases the likelihood of infection with the immunodeficiency virus.

There was a wide public outcry when, in a hospital in the Stavropol Territory, a nurse gave injections to children, presumably with one syringe.

Visiting beauty salons at home increases the possibility of acquiring infection through contaminated manicure tools. Especially dangerous is the use without processing needles in tattoo parlors. Sterilization of medical instruments eliminates the risk of infection.

Transfusion of blood that has not been tested under laboratory conditions also refers to the indicated route of transmission of the disease. At the present stage of development of the security system, this risk is minimized.

Vertical transmission of HIV infection

The myth that an exceptionally sick child is born from a pregnant mother with HIV-positive status has been debunked. The probability of infection of a child from an HIV-infected mother is quite high.

The vertical route of transmission of the virus is possible from a sick mother to the fetus in utero; during the passage of the child's birth canal or after birth, through breast milk.

But competent management of pregnancy and delivery reduces the risk. HIV infection in a pregnant woman is an indication for delivery by caesarean section. If the baby is not infected in the womb, operative delivery protects him from infection in the birth canal.

Until the age of three, the mother's antibodies remain in the blood of the child. If, after the indicated age, the antibodies disappear, it means that the pregnant mother did not transmit the virus to the child.

At-risk groups

HIV risk groups include:

• people with drug addiction;
• people who prefer promiscuity and do not use barrier protection;
• women with reduced social responsibility;
• prisoners serving sentences in colonies;
• medical workers who work in healthcare organizations that are intended for people with HIV-positive status;
• medical personnel who have direct contact with various human biological fluids;
• persons in need of organ or tissue transplantation, blood transfusion;
• whose mothers are HIV positive.

If you follow the simplest rules of hygiene and attentive attitude to professional duties, the chance of contracting HIV is minimal. Surgeons, dentists, laboratory assistants who are at risk for HIV infection should pay special attention to their health.

There are people who, knowing about their HIV-positive status, deliberately engage in unprotected sexual intercourse with a healthy partner. In Russia, criminal liability is provided for this act.

How not to get HIV

• The probability of contracting HIV in a domestic way exists only in theory. Virus cells are unstable in the external environment. Practical sources do not describe a single case of household acquisition of the virus.
• HIV is not transmitted through saliva. Indeed, the cells of the virus are in saliva. However, their number is so small that it is not enough for infection.
• When sweat or tears from an infected person come into contact with healthy skin, infection does not occur.
• The immunodeficiency virus is not transmitted by airborne droplets.
• The risk of transmission of the disease in public places, with handshakes and hugs is reduced to zero.
• The probability of HIV transmission by inheritance is also zero.
• The probability of infection is small, but still it exists if there are bleeding wounds or scratches in the oral cavity of one or both partners. There are only a few precedents in the world when a person became infected orally.
• It is impossible to catch AIDS at all, in principle. AIDS is not a separate disease, it is the final stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is completely suppressed. The development of this stage can be avoided if you consult a doctor in a timely manner and fulfill all prescriptions.

HIV prevention

Methods of transmission of HIV are known. This article describes the ways in which the likelihood of contracting HIV is minimal or zero. The main preventive measures are aimed at sanitary education of the population. Subject to the elementary rules of behavior and hygiene, an infected person without the risk of becoming infected.

A person daily faces the problem of infection with various infections and viruses. Some of them are transmitted through the air, while others are transmitted through the blood or during sexual contact. One of the most serious and deadly diseases is the immunodeficiency virus or HIV. Infection with this type of viral disease requires direct contact with the blood of an infected person. How much blood does it take to get HIV? The answer to this question cannot be unambiguous, since there are too many factors that reduce or increase the likelihood of infection.

Features of the disease

The term "immunodeficiency" implies that the patient's natural immunity is significantly reduced.

A blood test from a vein will show what caused the ailments. When donating blood, each sample is marked, the name and other data of the patient are not indicated on the tag. There are rapid tests for home use that use blood from a finger. The result will be known in a few minutes. But this type of study cannot be accepted by doctors; only a laboratory analysis is required to officially confirm or refute the diagnosis.

After a person has given a blood sample, the doctor will give an appropriate conclusion.

HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. The virus acts gradually and in most cases slowly. After infection, a person lives, sometimes without suspecting anything about his disease for more than 10 years. Sometimes the disease is almost asymptomatic, and a person does not need to donate blood for analysis.

Ways of infection

Many people don't really know how HIV infection occurs. Over a ten-year period, cases of human infection with the virus increased 3 times, and deaths from this disease increased 13 times. Caution and providing full information about the ways of transmission of immunodeficiency allows the population to avoid dangerous situations and reduce the risk of infection:

• Statistics show that the most common way the virus is transmitted is through sexual contact without the use of a condom. According to various sources, 70-80% of patients became infected from an infected partner during sex. With homosexual contacts, the risk of infection is much higher (61% of cases).
• The virus can be transmitted through the use of one syringe by several people, one of whom is a carrier of the disease. Even in a small amount, the immunodeficiency virus is able to actively develop in the human body, weakened by drugs.
• It is possible to become infected during blood transfusion during surgical operations. With the development of medicine, the chance of such a way of transmitting the disease is very low. The donor should donate blood for testing before the material is used for transfusion. But even today there is a 3% chance of getting the immunodeficiency virus with donated blood.
• The disease can be passed from mother to child. In this case, the transmission does not occur during pregnancy, but the postpartum period during feeding. The risk is up to 10%. Refusal of breastfeeding eliminates the possibility of infection in this way.

How much blood does it take to get infected with HIV? For infection and active reproduction of viral cells, the creation of the most favorable conditions for this is required. For a person weakened by a serious illness, a small amount of blood is enough, a few cells that cannot be seen with the naked eye. In order for the immunodeficiency virus to be able to infect a healthy man or woman with strong natural immunity, prolonged contact with blood and the presence of lesions and wounds on the skin for the penetration of viral cells will be required.

How not to get infected

The immunodeficiency virus is shrouded in many terrible tales about the ways in which this disease is transmitted. A person infected with the immunodeficiency virus is not dangerous to others, but must follow certain safety rules:

• Is it possible to become infected with HIV, being in the same room with the patient? No. Although many people believe otherwise. In order for the disease to be transmitted, infected blood must enter the blood supply of a healthy person.
• Is HIV transmitted through saliva? Definitely not. But there is a certain risk in such a situation. If a person suffering from the immunodeficiency virus has wounds in the mouth or bleeding gums, then blood particles are present in saliva and infection is possible.
• How long does it take for the virus to die? Outside the human body, viral cells die quickly enough that the risk of infection through the household route is negligible. In the absence of moisture, the cells die within 12 hours. Cleaning the room with detergents kills the virus immediately. Regular dry and wet cleaning of the home and office should be carried out.

If there was contact with a sick person and the danger is minimal, you can undergo an appropriate examination for your own peace of mind. The analysis can accurately show the presence of viral cells in the body. If the result is negative, there is no health hazard.

We are careful

If there has been contact with an infected person, one should not panic and stay up at night due to possible infection. You should carefully recall and reproduce in memory all the details of the contact. Has the blood of a sick person come into contact with the skin or an open wound? How long did it take for symptoms to appear, if any? Worrying in any case will not bring any benefit. An HIV blood test should be performed 6 weeks after the alleged exposure. The result of the analysis will be strictly anonymous, it will not be disclosed to the place of work or relatives.

A separate question is whether the virus is transmitted through dried blood? There is a risk of contracting HIV in such a situation. However, the properties of dried blood are different from fresh ones. The risk of infection is influenced by the time when the drying occurred, the stage of the disease of the person and the state of the immune system of the person in contact with the dried blood.

In everyday life, you need to be careful and remember to take precautions. Contact with contaminated blood should be avoided. This is easy to do in everyday life. Viruses are often transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. To avoid this, you should always use a condom. If another method of contraception is planned, then you should be tested for the immunodeficiency virus and other common sexually transmitted diseases to both partners. With proper treatment and good living conditions, a person can live much longer than average.

In contact with

To protect yourself from AIDS, you need to be aware of all the possible ways in which HIV can be transmitted. The immunodeficiency virus inevitably leads to the death of a person, since it makes him vulnerable even to a banal SARS. Infection from a carrier of the virus can occur at any stage of the disease.

Routes of HIV infection

HIV attacks the cells of the immune system, disrupting their functioning and causing death. This contributes to the special vulnerability of the body to various infections and pathological processes.

The transmission of infection involves such biological fluids as:

• blood;
• seminal fluid;
• vaginal and rectal fluids;
• breast milk.

In order for the virus to be transmitted from the carrier of the infection to a healthy person, one of these fluids must come into direct contact with the injured mucous membrane or tissue, or directly enter the bloodstream.

Mucous surfaces located in the oral cavity, as well as the vagina and rectum, are especially susceptible to HIV infection.

HIV transmission occurs in the following ways:

• Through sexual intercourse during which barrier methods of protection are not used. It is the sexual route that leads to HIV infection in 70-80% of cases. Moreover, with anal contact, the likelihood of infection is much higher than with traditional, which is associated with severe damage to the mucous membranes and walls of the rectum. If vaginal intercourse is performed, one of the parties of which is a carrier of HIV, the likelihood of its transmission is much higher with existing injuries and ulcers of the mucous membranes of the internal genital organs, as well as latent genital infections and. During oral sex, the likelihood of infection is low, but it is possible if the "receiving" party has wounds on the gums or oral mucosa.
• Through the blood. We are talking about infection through the collective use of disposable needles or syringes (which is why AIDS is so widespread among people who abuse drugs), the use of medical instruments or devices that have not been sterilized and are designed to perform cosmetic manipulations (during surgical interventions, dental and gynecological procedures). , when performing a manicure, pedicure or piercing), blood transfusion. The risk of HIV entering the body of a healthy person during blood transfusion is not ruled out even if donor blood has been screened for antibodies to HIV, since it cannot yet be detected in the early stages of infection. It should be borne in mind that the infectious dose of this virus is quite high, so the risk of its penetration into the body through direct skin contact with blood is quite low and does not exceed 0.3%.
• From mother to child during intrauterine development of the fetus, during childbirth or during breastfeeding. In 50% of cases, infection of the child occurs when the child passes through the birth canal. If the expectant mother was diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy, she is prescribed medications that prevent the virus from crossing the placental barrier, and a caesarean section is used during delivery.

AIDS, which results from the penetration of HIV infection into the body, is called the sixth most common cause of death after various diseases of the heart and lungs.

How HIV is not transmitted

There are many misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted. It should be borne in mind that the infection is unstable to environmental factors and quickly dies, falling on any surface. The virus can exist and develop only in the human body, so insects or animals cannot be sources of infection.

Given this information, it can be noted that the immunodeficiency virus does not enter the body:

• along with sputum discharged when coughing or sneezing;
• with hugs and other bodily contact, since the virus is not dangerous for intact skin;
• in case of insect bites, including blood-sucking ones, and animals;
• through water in a bath or pool, since the virus quickly dies in water;
• through household items, clothes and personal hygiene items - plates, towels, linen;
• in case of contact with the skin of urine, sweat, tears of the carrier of the infection;
• with a kiss, but only on the condition that both partners have no wounds and injuries in the mouth, bleeding ulcers and rashes provoked by a herpes infection;
• through saliva. Although this biological fluid contains a virus, its concentration is very low, so the risk of infection is practically reduced to zero;
• through toilet seats, including public toilets;
• through seats and handrails in public transport.

Healthy epidermis and intact mucous membranes are a reliable barrier that prevents the penetration of HIV infection into the human body.

Currently, the media disseminate information that people with HIV-positive status around the world are "taking revenge" on healthy people by leaving needles previously inserted into a vein in various public places, thus provoking mass infection. Experts argue that this is just unreliable material, with the help of which newspapers, magazines and television channels increase their own rating. Since the immunodeficiency virus is extremely unstable to environmental factors, the likelihood of infection in this case is extremely low. However, if a used needle accidentally comes into contact with the skin, an HIV test should be done.

Special Risk Factors

There are a number of factors that increase the risk of HIV infection by several times. These include the following:

• frequent change of sexual partners;
• sex with unverified partners without the use of barrier methods of protection;
• unconventional sexual orientation;
• the presence in the body of a secondary infection (sexually transmitted diseases are of particular danger);
• inflammatory processes occurring in the body, especially those that spread to the organs of the genitourinary system;
• children's age (the risk is due to the incomplete formation of immunity);
• a high concentration of the virus in the vaginal secretion of a woman who is carrying a child;
• erosion of the cervix in a woman;
• rupture of the hymen;
• complications arising during the period of gestation;
• having sex with during menstruation;
• female. During sex without using a condom, a large amount of viral material enters the woman's body along with sperm. The fairer sex has a large surface area through which HIV enters the body (vaginal mucosa).

Virus infection prevention

To protect yourself from acquiring HIV infection, you need to have an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bhow to prevent the likelihood of it entering the body.

Preventive measures to prevent the transmission of HIV infection are:

• refusal of casual sexual relations, especially unprotected ones, as well as non-traditional sexual contacts (anal, group);
• exclusion of the possibility of contact of the biological fluids of the carrier of the virus with damaged mucous membranes or skin of a healthy person;
• use of barrier contraceptives (condoms). It should be borne in mind that oral contraceptives and spermicides prevent the likelihood of an unplanned pregnancy, but do not protect against HIV infection;
• the use of disposable medical equipment and the implementation of measures for the disinfection of reusable instruments;
• checking donated blood before transfusion for the presence of antibodies to HIV;
• explanatory work with young people, as well as coverage of HIV and AIDS prevention issues in the media;
• refusal to inject drugs.

Women who are carrying a fetus are especially susceptible to the penetration of this virus into the body, as their immunity weakens. That is why they must carefully observe measures to prevent HIV infection and undergo the necessary examinations and diagnostic procedures in a timely manner.

If infection with HIV infection nevertheless occurred, they carry out activities for the so-called secondary prevention. They are aimed at preventing diseases that provoke the development of immunodeficiency. These are diabetes mellitus, hepatitis, oncological diseases. For these purposes, antiviral and antibacterial drugs are prescribed.

Video about how HIV is transmitted

Watch the video, which tells about the realities and myths regarding the ways of getting HIV infection in an accessible way:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cannot exist on its own and constantly needs a carrier. It needs a human cell to reproduce. It is important to know how HIV is transmitted in order to prevent infection. Indeed, if in the external environment the virus dies from the action of 70% alcohol or boiling, then in the human body the disease causes serious changes. For some time, this problem goes unnoticed when the immune system keeps the HIV virus. But after a few years, a person has a lot of health problems.

Main routes of HIV transmission

Mechanisms of transmission of infection:

1. Unprotected intercourse (without a condom).
2. Through a blood transfusion.
3. By injecting drugs.
4. From mother to child (through breast milk, in utero).

For prevention, you should know how infection occurs. Most likely through sexual contact. It is easier for women to get infected. The fact is that the area of ​​the vaginal mucosa is much larger than that of men. Moreover, sexual intercourse has a higher percentage of infection than other methods. The addict's needle is also very dangerous, so addicts use disposable syringes. An HIV-infected mother can infect a child during fetal development or through breast milk.

What is the likelihood of contracting HIV

Methods of transmission of infection and the likelihood of infection:

• The chance of getting a disease by getting the blood of a sick person to a healthy one is 100%. A very small amount is enough to get the disease. A scratch or bloody wound, a blood transfusion, a reusable syringe - everything can cause infection.
• Sexually. Unprotected sexual intercourse is especially dangerous for infecting women, since the area of ​​​​absorption of the virus is much larger (3 times more likely than in men). With a condom, the probability of getting infected is very small, but there is. Some scientific experiments have shown that there is a possibility of penetration of the virus through the latex (from 0.01% to 0.1%).

• Through what fluids is HIV transmitted, other than the above? The breast milk of an infected mother for an infant gives a 20% certainty of infection. You should give up lactation to avoid this by feeding the baby artificially.
• Is HIV transmitted orally? With this act, the risk of infection is very small. For example, with a blowjob, the risk of infection is approximately 0.03%, if a woman has bloody wounds in her mouth, the probability increases. During cunnilingus, the likelihood of getting HIV is minimal if there are no wounds in the man's mouth, because saliva does not contain the virus. Otherwise, the risk is very high, because the secret fluid in women contains HIV.
• The likelihood of infection during anal intercourse is extremely small. After the appearance of microcracks due to sexual intercourse, the risk increases to 1% (passive partner) and up to 0.6 for the active one.
• Unborn children can become infected from infected mothers during pregnancy, this method is called "vertical". In this case, the risk is very high if certain drugs are not taken. Without special therapy, the probability according to statistics is 15-20%, thanks to drugs, the figure drops to 1-2%.

Can HIV be transmitted?

There are many misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted. For example, you can not get infected with it through a handshake, shared dishes, bed linen, in public transport, and so on. The myth that HIV is transmitted by airborne droplets has no scientific basis. To prevent the occurrence of a deadly disease, it is important to take preventive measures. But first, it is useful to know how the virus spreads, and in what ways it is not transmitted.

Through a kiss

The answer to the question: "Is it possible to get HIV through saliva?" quite affirmative - it is impossible. This liquid does not contain the immunodeficiency virus. With a kiss, the likelihood of infection is almost absent. However, it is worth remembering that the disease is transmitted through the blood. If, for example, the lips or mouth of both partners are damaged, there is a possibility.

Through a condom

If you protect yourself during intercourse with a condom, then the likelihood of infection is reduced to a minimum. However, some scientists have conducted experiments and found that latex in rare cases passes virus cells. The risk of penetration through latex reaches 0.1%. In this regard, it is recommended to refuse any sexual contact with infected people to prevent the disease.

At home

How is HIV transmitted in the home? The virus does not live separately from a person, so it is difficult to get it at home. But if you use a common razor or toothbrush with an infected one, the disease will be transmitted if infected blood enters a healthy person. The use of a personal razor, brush, and the absence of any contact with the blood of an infected person are the basic rules for those who live with an HIV-infected person.

From a mosquito

At the dentist

For twenty years, not a single case of infection in the dentist's office has been recorded. How HIV infection is transmitted is known. Blood contains virus molecules, but outside the human body they quickly die. Standard procedure for instrument disinfection, oven sterilization and dental gloves ensure the absence of live pests and the transmission of deadly diseases.

When manicure

Those who are afraid to remove burrs and file their nails in the salon do not need to be afraid of the manicurist's tools. There is no such way of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus. The molecules of this disease quickly die outside the body, and the instruments are sterilized after each client. In the entire history of the discovery of a deadly disease, no one has yet received it during a manicure.

How not to get HIV

Compliance with the following rules will protect against infection with a deadly virus:

1. Protection during sexual intercourse. It doesn't really matter if a man doesn't want to use a condom. Life and health is much more important!
2. For medical procedures, use disposable syringes opened immediately before the procedure.
3. Visit only proven beauty salons and dental clinics with a good reputation

Symptoms of HIV infection

The question of how long HIV manifests itself does not have a specific answer. Each body fights disease differently. Sometimes signs appear after 14 days in the form of:

1. Elevated temperature.
2. Inflamed lymph nodes.
3. Drowsiness.
4. Fever.
5. Fear of bright light.
6. Runny nose.
7. Cough.
8. Rash.

The first symptoms resemble colds and disappear after 15-30 days. Most infected people do not experience or notice discomfort at the initial stage. During the incubation period, HIV may not manifest itself in any way. Sometimes a person at this time does not even know about his illness. After some time, secondary diseases appear, the consequences of which for the body, as a rule, are severe.

The worst stage in the development of the virus is AIDS. The disease lasts within 6-24 months. It has individual features and forms:

1. Lung injury (most common).
2. Problems with the intestines.
3. In the form of a nervous illness.
4. Mucosal damage.
5. Skin rash.

Depending on the form of AIDS, a secondary disease develops. Immunity is not able to fight it and the virus becomes fatal for a person. To live with such a problem, some get up to 25 years, it all depends on the body and methods of treatment. Individuals, in rare cases, die within a year. According to medical data, the average life expectancy of those infected is 12 years.