Compare the ways that HIV can and cannot be transmitted.
A: 6. HIV can be spread in many ways that involves physical contact that can result in the virus being led into a person’s body. Such ways include sexual activity with an infected person, sharing needles, syringes, or any other injection equipment with an infected person; and contact with body fluids from an HIV-infected mother to her infant before or during birth or by breast-feeding. However, HIV cannot be transmitted by casual, physical contact, such as shaking hands, holding hands, kissing, hugging, or playing sports with friends. HIV is not spread by sharing bathroom facilities or utensils. You cannot contract an HIV infection by using the same toilet seat as an infected person. You will also not contract an HIV infection by sharing a water glass or spoon, using the same water fountain, or drinking from the same can of soda. Furthermore, you will not contract an HIV infection by eating in the same restaurant or by working alongside an infected person?
Right.
HIV can be transmitted through various means that involve direct physical contact with an infected person's body fluids. These methods include:
1. Sexual activity: Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse (l, , or oral) with an infected person can transmit HIV. The virus can enter the body through mucous membranes or open sores.
2. Sharing needles or injection equipment: HIV can be transmitted when sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment used for injecting drugs, steroids, or hormones with an infected person. The virus can be present in blood left on the equipment.
3. Mother-to-child transmission: HIV-infected mothers can transmit the virus to their babies before or during childbirth or through breastfeeding. This can occur if the mother is not taking appropriate antiretroviral therapy, which reduces the risk of transmission.
On the other hand, there are ways in which HIV cannot be transmitted. These include:
1. Casual contact: HIV cannot be spread through casual, everyday physical contact such as shaking hands, holding hands, or hugging someone who is infected.
2. Kissing: HIV transmission through kissing is extremely rare. The virus is not typically present in saliva unless there are open sores or bleeding gums.
3. Sharing food or drinks: HIV cannot be transmitted by sharing food utensils, glasses, water fountains, or cans of soda as the virus does not survive well outside the human body.
4. Using public facilities: You cannot contract HIV by using the same toilet seat as an infected person or by being in the same room or area as someone with HIV.
5. Occupational exposure: Working alongside an infected person, even in close proximity, does not pose a risk of HIV transmission unless there is direct contact with the infected person's blood or other bodily fluids.
In summary, HIV can be transmitted through specific activities involving direct contact with infected body fluids, but it cannot be transmitted through everyday casual interactions or through indirect contact with objects or surfaces.