How is HIV Transmitted?



In order to understand how to prevent against HIV, we must understand how it can be transmitted...

HIV can transmitted in a number of different ways. It can be through: sexual contact with an infected person, by the sharing of needles and syringes, or through transfusion of infected blood or blood products. Also, if you are a mom and are pregnant, you can transfer HIV to you baby before or during birth, or while breast feeding.


Prevention Against Sexually Transmitted HIV
  • Abstinence is the best
    preventative measure
  • Use a condom (male or female)
    during every vaginal, anal or
    oral sexual interaction
  • share sexual history with
    your partner
  • stay in committed, monogamous
    relationships
  • DO NOT use baby oil or oil
    based lubricants they could
    possibly cause holes in condoms,
    only use water based lubricants
Prevention from Needle and Blood Products

  • DO NOT share or re-use needle, tatoo, or
    peircing supplies
  • Use sterile equiptment!
  • If you know your HIV status, do not donate
    blood
  • DO NOT share drug supplies
  • Try your best not to come in contact with
    anyone elses blood
  • If you work in the hospital alwasy wear the
    correct protective gear
  • Toothbrushes, razors, and floss should not
    be shared
  • If you are a drug user, seek help ASAP


    • Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
    • Get tested for HIV BEFORE you get pregnant, or as soon as possible after pregnancy
    • Take medications such as zidovudine (AZT or ZDV) or nevirapine during your pregnancy. These medications can reduce the chance of transmission from mom to baby
    • If HIV positive, after pregnancy, feed baby with formula and not breast milk, as you can transfer HIV to your baby through this method.
    • Have a cesarean section if you are able too










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    [Barriers to Sexual Education] [Chronic Health Challenges and Sexuality]
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    Reference

    CDC: Safer, healthier people (2003). HIV and it's Transmittion. Retrieved on
    March 6th, 2006 from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/facts/transmission.htm

    UNAIDS: Joint united nations programme on HIV/AIDS. (2006). Uniting the World against AIDS.
    Retrived on March 6th, 2006 from http://www.unaids.org/en/



    Created by:Dana Bettles