Ever wonder: How is HIV transmitted? The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is most commonly transmitted via sexual intercourse (anal and vaginal) and sharing of drug paraphernalia (needles, syringes, cookers and solutions). A mother can also infect her baby with the virus. The transmission can occur during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

Only specific body fluids from an HIV-positive individual can transmit the disease. These fluids are: vaginal fluids, semen, pre-seminal fluid, anal fluids and breast milk. In order for transmission of the virus to occur successfully, the mentioned fluids must come in direct contact with a mucous membrane, damaged tissue or be injected.

Anal sex is the riskiest type of intercourse in terms of contracting or transmitting the disease. Studies have shown that the receptive partner stands a much high chance of getting the virus that the insertive partner.

When it comes to vaginal sex a woman is slightly less at risk of getting the disease when compared to receptive anal sex. It is however important to note that either partner can get HIV during vaginal intercourse. Stats show that the majority of females who are HIV positive got infected during vaginal intercourse. The virus enters the female body via the mucous membranes lining the vagina and cervix.

Perinatal transmission or mother-to-baby transmission is a very rare occurrence thanks to the advances in HIV prevention and treatment. It is crucial to get tested for HIV before getting pregnant or as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. The earlier the virus is detected, the sooner treatment can begin and the lower the chances are of the baby being HIV positive.

It is essential that HIV-positive mothers take their medication (ARVs) exactly as prescribed by their doctor throughout pregnancy and babybirth in order to prevent perinatal HIV transmission. A scheduled C-section can also significantly reduce the risk of perinatal HIV transmission especially if the woman has a high or unknown viral load near the time of delivery.

In order to reduce the risk of perinatal transmission the baby will have to receive antiretroviral drug therapy eight hours after birth. The newborn will receive a drug called zidovudine in a dosage of 2 mg per kg every 6 hours for at least 6 weeks.

It is important to keep in mind that the human immunodeficiency virus is not transmitted via saliva, tears or sweat. You can also feel free to hug or shake the hand of an HIV positive individual. HIV is also not spread through the air.

Good news is HIV can be prevented! The best prevention strategies include but are definitely not limited to abstinence, consistent and correct condom usage and the avoidance of drug needle sharing. HIV prevention medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are also freely available.

Please consult a doctor or registered nurse if you require more information about HIV and how it is transmitted. They will also know what the latest developments are in terms of HIV treatment options.