HIV is transmitted for following reasons:
1. HIV transmission occurs through specific activities such as sex or injection drug use.
2. The virus is transmitted via certain body fluids, including blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
3. Transmission is possible only if these fluids contact mucous membranes, open cuts or sores, or are directly injected into the bloodstream.
4. Mucous membranes are located inside the rectum, vagina, opening of the penis, and the mouth.
Symptoms of AIDS:
1. Early HIV infection may manifest with flu-like symptoms like fever, sore throat, and fatigue within a few weeks.
2. Subsequently, the disease often remains asymptomatic until it advances to AIDS.
3. AIDS symptoms encompass weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and recurrent infections.
Prevention measures:
1. Safe Sex: Always use condoms correctly to reduce the risk of HIV during intercourse.
2. Injection Safety: Avoid injecting drugs; if necessary, use sterile equipment and never share it.
3. PrEP for Prevention: If at risk, consult your healthcare provider about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – a daily or injectable medication to prevent HIV.
4. HIV Treatment (ART): If diagnosed, adhere to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) as prescribed to achieve an undetectable viral load and prevent transmission during sex.
5. Pregnancy and HIV: If pregnant and HIV-positive, consistent medication can reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby to less than 1%. Consider PrEP if planning pregnancy with an HIV-positive partner.