HIV is a silent reality that does not announce its presence until it may be turned into a concerning health issue. Human Immunodeficiency Virus that makes its own existence in one’s life with a threat which causes death if not checked or treated. It is a transmitted disease and globally impacts mankind with huge numbers of deaths because of ignorance, lack of awareness, less education, and vulnerability. Various causes of HIV Spread is discussed here for your concern. 

To know how HIV transmits is not just a health issue; it is a responsibility, an awareness for all people. In this blog, we will discuss how and when HIV spreads, and how HIV affects our health.

An overview of HIV and AIDS:

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that can typically attack your immune cells and damage your whole immune system. This virus spreads through the genitals, and it may cause serious complications if not treated or ignored. AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the final and most advanced stage of HIV when your body’s immune system is completely damaged, and conditions are getting worse with multiple opportunistic infections. The symptoms of HIV are like unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, rashes on the skin, loss of appetite and many more.

How HIV infects the body:

HIV infection occurs when the virus enters your bloodstream and affects your immune system, which is responsible for fighting against any infections and viruses. It destroys your immune system by damaging CD4 cells. This is how HIV spreads in your whole body and affects other cells as well.

Understanding HIV transmission modes:

HIV is a disease that can be transmitted through body fluids through unprotected sex with HIV-positive persons. If any individual is having an HIV viral load, he/ she can able to pass the virus through, 

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal fluid
• Mucus of the anus
• Breast milk

Causes of HIV Spread in many ways:

Risk factors of HIV include,

• Perform unprotected sex with an HIV-positive person
• Vaginal and anal sex without a condom
• Coming into contact with HIV contaminated blood (mostly healthcare professionals)
• Sharing medical components like needles, syringes, or injection equipment with an HIV-infected person. 
• HIV can also be transmitted from a mother to her child through breastfeeding.
• Individuals who have multiple sexual partners.
• People are also at a higher risk of getting Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C due to these medical substances being shared with infected persons.

HIV transmission modes through blood contact:

HIV spreading ways are through blood when an individual has a detectable viral load, and his/her blood comes into another person’s body, or comes into another individual’s mucous membrane. If any HIV-positive patient’s blood comes into contact with any cut or broken skin, this virus can be transmitted through the skin into the bloodstream.

HIV transmission through needles, syringes, or blades can only happen when that medical equipment is used earlier for a patient living with HIV, and then it is being used on another person. Though these chances are very low, you need to be cautious of all these things.

HIV transmission from mother to baby:

As the number of these transmissions are rare, but it happens when a mother is HIV positive, and she may be able to pass the virus during childbirth and breastfeeding. Though perinatal transmission of HIV can be managed with medication courses, it is better to seek proper consultation with doctors.

Other lower risks of HIV transmission:

Fewer risks of HIV transmission are included, 

While having oral sex, if any male sex partner who is HIV positive ejaculates in the partner’s mouth, he/ she gets HIV transmission (though risks are low)

During blood transfusion, or organ donation, if the blood is contaminated or the organ donor was HIV positive.

Very few cases in infants, sometimes an HIV-positive person chews the food items, and it may consist of HIV infection that can be transmitted to another person who afterwards has this pre-chewed food.

Misconceptions about HIV spread:

Though various myths are spreading linked with HIV and AIDS, the real facts are: HIV does not transmit through 

• Hugging each other
• Sharing food and utensils
• Donating blood
• Other sexual activities that are not related to fluid exchange, like kissing
• Sharing toilets or beds

For how long can HIV remain viable outside the body?

Basically, HIV infection routes through body fluids, and it usually does not survive for a long time outside the body. But outside the body, if HIV comes into close contact with blood or semen, it does not pose any risks of transmission.

The chance of transmitting HIV through a cut when your viral load is detectable is still extremely low. Simply clean the area thoroughly with soap and warm water, let the blood wash away, and protect the cut with a bandage or dressing.

Can condoms prevent the transmission of HIV?

Using a condom during sexual intercourse prevents HIV through semen, vaginal secretions, and blood. This HIV is unable to pass through the latex of the condom. You should use a water-based lubricant condom while having sex because it helps protect you from HIV. Unprotected sex or sex without a condom can also be a cause of other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Without contraceptives, if you have sex without a condom, it may also cause pregnancy.

What are the preventions of HIV transmission?

HIV is a contagious disease that is already globally a death threat. Millions of people are affected by HIV, without knowing its proper prevention and complete awareness. To prevent the spread of HIV in contagious ways, you need to follow some safe and healthy practices. You need to follow such tips,

Practice protected sex: Focus on protected sex, as using a condom while having sex is mandatory to reduce the risks of HIV spreading. Use latex or vaginal condoms for safer protection, and pair them with water- or silicone-based lubricants to prevent breakage. Also, learn the correct way to use a condom to ensure it works properly.

Limit sexual partners: For people who have multiple sexual partners, it is suggested to limit the number of sexual partners, as multiple sexual partners increase the chances of HIV transmission.

Regular Health checkups: Noticing any symptoms of HIV transmission, urgent doctor consultation is recommended, and suspected persons need to do blood tests to detect the presence of HIV infections in the bloodstream.

Nirnayan Healthcare, the best laboratory chain in Kolkata, offers advanced medical tests for HIV disease detection with expedited report delivery directly to your doorstep.

Stop sharing any needles or medical equipment: Always maintain the use of sterilised needles, syringes, or avoid any sharing of medical items, which can lower HIV transmission.

Living with HIV:

Living with HIV is not easy. You need to follow some safe and secure practices for the rest of your life. 

• Take your medicines daily as suggested
• Get regular blood tests and screenings at Nirnayan, your trusted pathology laboratory
• Talk to your doctor if any health issues
• Getting vaccinated to avoid other infections and illnesses
• Having a balanced diet and leading a fresh lifestyle

For healthcare assistance anytime, you can contact Nirnayan Healthcare, the best pathology lab in Kolkata, for any blood tests, semen tests or any testing.

How Does HIV Turn Into AIDS?

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is not another condition; it is the last and most advanced stage of HIV. It happens when any HIV positive person has not done any timely treatment of HIV, and it damages the body’s immune system badly. In AIDS, a person gets other serious illnesses, which are known as Opportunistic Infections, chronic, and even life-threatening. But now, awareness, treatments and new medical advancements help in managing HIV infections and do not turn HIV into AIDS.

A note from Nirnayan:

Though many obstacles and social interruptions may delay HIV treatment, you need to be more concerned about how HIV spreads. Following preventive steps reduces the chances of HIV infection. Nirnayan always provides accurate and reliable pathology care for your wellness. Nirnayan also offers huge support in HIV awareness through authenticated healthcare support all over. With proper diagnosis, early detection, regular monitoring, and prompt treatment, avoiding mental and social stigma can help one live long with HIV.