How is HIV transmitted? How is the virus transmitted? Chances of contracting HIV through unprotected sex Chance of contracting HIV through sexual contact

HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, causes the most dangerous disease - HIV infection. Unfortunately, in our time this problem is more relevant than ever. Many reasons and factors lead different people to this disease. Both sexes are infected with HIV, but there is an opinion that it is easier for a man to become infected with this dangerous virus than for a woman.

The human immunodeficiency virus is stable and active only in a living organism. After contact with a carrier or patient with HIV, the microorganism penetrates through various entrance gates to an uninfected person, circulates in the blood and begins to invade cells. The RNA of the virus, under the influence of many biological subunits, is converted into DNA, and then integrated into the DNA of a healthy human cell. The cell is "reprogrammed" and begins to divide with the formation of the same infected cells.

The specificity of the virus is that the cells it attacks are not ordinary, but immune (lymphocytes). They are involved in the elimination of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, thus fighting infections.

Manifestations of HIV in men

The virus has a long incubation period, that is, after infection, the disease does not develop for a long time. HIV can circulate in the blood from a week to two months - it all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, virulence (i.e. the degree of strength with which the virus acts on a person), immunity and other factors. There are no symptoms during the incubation period.

Fever;
Headache;
Soreness in the muscles;
Severe diarrhea;
Decrease in body weight;
Possible development of respiratory diseases;
Accession of the herpes virus.

After a couple of weeks, an asymptomatic period (latent) begins. It can last up to 10 years (depending on the activity of immune cells). It is characterized by the absence of symptoms, except that an increase in lymph nodes is possible. If during this period HIV infection does not turn into AIDS, then antiviral therapy is prescribed for life, and an HIV patient can live to old age.

AIDS stage (terminal). From the onset of the first symptoms without treatment, a patient with HIV infection can live for about a year. HIV-infected people die from tumor diseases or from severe infections that attack a weakened body.

HIV diagnosis

The diagnosis of HIV is made on the basis of a laboratory blood test - they detect antibodies (immune cells aimed at fighting a specific pathogen) to the immunodeficiency virus. It is forbidden to force an HIV test, a person must express a desire to take blood for HIV or in the direction of a doctor.

The first blood sampling is taken after 2 weeks from the moment of infection (but not later than 3 months). Repeated analysis is carried out after 6 months.

If repeated blood sampling showed a positive result (antibodies were detected), a control analysis is prescribed to confirm the diagnosis as accurately as possible. The results of the examinations and the diagnosis are communicated personally to the patient. This information is confidential and available only to the doctor and the patient.

sexually transmitted infection

What is the probability of HIV infection of both sexes? Males are more likely to be infected with HIV than females. Statistics say that among drug addicts the male sex prevails - hence the risk of infection through injections with a common syringe is higher. It should also not be forgotten that men are more promiscuous.

HIV infection can happen quite easily - just having contact with a contaminated environment or organism.

Unprotected sexual intercourse between a man and a woman almost always (according to statistics 99%) leads to infection if the partner is sick or is a carrier of the virus. However, 1% is still there - infection may not be due to the increased activity of the prostate glands, which produce a secret rich in bactericidal compounds. But this also requires a small percentage of viruses in the vaginal secretion.

Sexual contact is the most common cause of HIV infection. The worst scenario in this case is if the infected person is sexually promiscuous and does not remember the alleged partner - the carrier of the virus. It should also be noted that circumcised men are most susceptible to infection. The foreskin contains a prostatic secret, and, as you know, it contributes to the elimination (destruction) of the virus.

There is a question based on ignorance of the pathogenesis of HIV and the methods of infection - is it possible to become infected with HIV during a short sexual intercourse? Yes, it's possible. A single contact of a man with the vaginal contents of an infected woman during sex is already highly likely to lead to infection. And if a woman has a sexually transmitted disease, the percentage of infection is 100%.

The fact is that the vagina is an acidic environment that inhibits the activity of pathogenic flora. Diseases of the genital organs lead to a violation of the acid-base state of the environment, changing it to the alkaline (basic) side, and thereby favoring the accumulation of the virus in the vagina.

It is also possible for the virus to be transmitted from male to male during sexual intercourse. The very first reported case of sexual transmission of HIV was homosexual contact between men. The probability of infection here is also 100%. Also because homosexuals are at risk of carrying and contracting the virus.

Oral transmission

Unprotected sexual contact and contact with the seminal fluid of a surface that has wounds and injuries (anus, oral cavity) are the cause of HIV entering the body. And since microscopic ruptures of the mucosa always occur during anal sex, the virus easily penetrates through these entrance gates into the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body.

Transmission of viruses orally is considered the most dangerous. Diseases of the oral mucosa, such as stomatitis, aphthae, gingivitis, caries and other dental diseases are the cause of high capillary permeability.

HIV from a sick woman to a man can be easily transmitted during oral sex. In this case, the virus will quickly penetrate both the prostate gland and the urethra, and also enter the bloodstream and again begin to be delivered to immune cells in various organs with its current.

Infection in everyday life and medicine

In addition to the sexual route, there are some procedures and situations that at first glance do not carry the risk of infection, but this is not so:

Contact of wound surfaces with the blood of an infected person. Most often, doctors and laboratory assistants who do not follow safety precautions, have wounds and open surfaces can become infected in this way. For example, a dentist, if a drop of blood from an HIV-infected person gets on the eyes (splashes during tooth extraction, operations on the mucous membrane), is highly likely to become infected. In everyday life, the contact of the wound surfaces of the sick and healthy people is extremely small.
Infection of a man is also possible through common use tools, such as razors, hairdressing accessories. The chances of getting infected are low, as the virus is unstable outside the human body. But still, you should not use common tools. Therefore, hairdressing and manicure tools must be thoroughly cleaned and treated with disinfectants.
The risk of infection in a public bath, sauna, solarium, swimming pool is extremely low. Constant cleaning of these premises with the use of disinfectant solutions and high temperatures (in the bath, sauna) reduce the likelihood of the virus being there to zero;
Blood transfusion remains the most common “non-sexual” cause of HIV infection. If there is a virus in the donor's blood, then the recipient who received his cells will certainly become a virus carrier and have HIV infection. Donors are forced to donate blood for the detection of antibodies to HIV, because the future life of those who need it depends on it. However, there are situations when there is a virus in the blood, but according to the tests it is not. This is the so-called "serological negative window". For this reason, even "clean" blood is allowed to be transfused after 6 months - in order to first test it for HIV;
Transplantation of organs from HIV-infected in 8 out of 10 cases leads to infection. After all, immune cells are contained not only in the blood, but also in organs.

Treatment and prevention

Prevention of HIV infection is the use of protective equipment with every sexual intercourse. It is important to be careful during sex and not let the partner's secrets get into the blood in case of accidental injuries. It is also necessary to use individual devices and tools in everyday life, and in public places to use your own accessories or monitor the quality of the disinfection measures performed.

When the diagnosis of HIV is confirmed, therapy is prescribed to destroy the human immunodeficiency virus. Antiviral agents of this series block the reproduction of the virus, contributing to the accumulation of healthy immune cells and the fight against a pathogenic microorganism.

To understand what is the probability of contracting HIV with a single unprotected contact, it is necessary to understand how the human immunodeficiency virus is transmitted and how it is not transmitted. You should be aware that there are three main routes of HIV transmission.

First, through the blood. This can happen during transfusion therapy, when drugs or drugs are administered with a syringe used by a sick person. Also, when the wound surface comes into contact, infection occurs in 100% of cases.

Secondly, the sexual route of infection. This method is the most common. The likelihood of contracting HIV from a single unprotected contact depends on many factors. Using a condom greatly minimizes the risk of transmission. According to the study, it became known that the virus can seep through the latex. The risk increases if thin, low-quality products are used.

It is also important to know that a woman is at risk 3 times more than a man, since the absorptive surface of the vagina is greater than that of the penis. The risk increases when semen enters the vagina, in the presence of injuries (including cervical erosion), during menstrual bleeding, in the presence of a concomitant sexually transmitted disease.

Oral sexual contact can lead to infection if there is a violation of the integrity of the oral mucosa or seminal fluid has entered the mouth.

Anal sex is the most dangerous option, as it is almost always associated with the formation of microcracks in the anus and rectum. Therefore, the probability of contracting HIV even with a single such unprotected contact is very high.

Thirdly, during pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, if an infected mother receives appropriate treatment and is under constant medical supervision, the risk of infection of the baby is reduced to 1%. In 20 cases out of 100 during lactation, the virus is transmitted from mother to child, therefore, in the case of a positive analysis, artificial feeding is recommended.

According to the average statistical data, in percentage terms, the picture of the ways of spreading HIV is as follows:

Infection during intercourse 70-80%.
Infection among injecting drug users is 5-10%.
From a sick mother during pregnancy and lactation 5-10%.
During blood transfusion 3-5%.
Health facility personnel in contact with patients 0.01%.

note

On the forum you can find information that causes reassurance that one episode of vaginal intercourse does not lead to infection. This is a rather dangerous myth.

The chance of contracting HIV with a single unprotected contact is the same as with several. It all depends not on the multiplicity, but on the type of sex, gender and the presence of aggravating factors. For example, the entry of infected sperm into the vagina during menstruation significantly increases the risks. Therefore, the use of a condom is mandatory, and in the case of an unprotected casual relationship, post-exposure prophylaxis and consultation with a specialist are necessary.

HIV risk and factors that increase this likelihood

The risk of contracting HIV depends on many factors, and primarily on the route of transmission. The lowest probability of infection in healthcare workers (less than 0.01%). Subject to all safety rules, even direct contact with patients does not pose a potential threat.

The largest percentage of infections persist during unprotected intercourse. Moreover, a woman is at risk 3 times more than her partner. This is due to physiological characteristics, since a large number of viruses enter the body along with sperm through the surface of the vagina. The risk of HIV infection increases during defloration, in the presence of microtraumas on the skin and genital mucosa, as well as the presence of cervical erosion. Significantly increases the possibility of penetration of the virus into the body with concomitant diseases of PPP, as these ailments cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the genital organs, sores and other damage.

A huge number of lymphocytes are ejected into the tissue, including t-4, which is a target for immunodeficiency viruses. After contact with an HIV-infected person, after 10 hours, a person becomes a source and distributor of viruses. Diagnosis becomes effective at least three months after a suspicious contact, repeated tests must be taken after 6 and 12 months after it. The second highest risk of contracting AIDS or HIV infection is an injection with a contaminated needle. This usually happens during infusion therapy or during drug administration.

The probability of HIV infection in men during traditional sexual intercourse is several times lower than in women. If infection did occur, then after a few weeks, after the virus enters the body, there is a deterioration in well-being, which resembles the symptoms of a cold.

Subfebrile condition appears, pain and sore throat, enlargement and inflammation of the inguinal and axillary lymph nodes. Then the infection goes into a latent stage for several months or years. The duration of this period depends on the lifestyle and the state of the patient's immune system. During the latent stage, acute respiratory infections may become more frequent, fungal infections may become aggravated, small skin lesions can fester and do not heal for a long time. Such signs should serve as a reason to see a doctor.

The first signs of the disease in women:

An unreasonable, sharp increase in temperature up to 40 degrees, which does not go astray for a week or more.
Headache, asthenia, excessive sweating, lymphopathy.
Decrease or lack of appetite, dyspepsia.
Violation of the menstrual cycle, pain during menstruation, abundant mucous vaginal discharge.

Despite the fact that the probability of contracting HIV infection in men is slightly lower than in women, both should be aware of the methods of preventing this dangerous disease. Planned pharmacoprophylaxis is recommended for persons with a negative HIV status, but associated with an increased risk of infection (homosexuals who do not have a permanent partner; sex workers).

Prevention is aimed at preventing the development of HIV infection and is the daily use of antiviral drugs. To increase effectiveness, the method should be used in combination with condoms. For this purpose, combinations of 2 or 3 antiviral agents are used, namely fusion, reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors.

Emergency prophylaxis is a short course of antiviral drug use after unprotected sexual contact with or suspected HIV infection, or exposure to contaminated blood, semen, or medical equipment. Prevention must begin within 12 hours after intercourse. A delay of 24 hours is allowed, but no later than 72 hours. The minimum preventive course is 28 days.

What is the risk of HIV infection in men? This question worries many. HIV, or - is a virus that infects the cells of the immune system, as a result of which they cease to perform their functions. It is important for each person to know the mechanism of the development of the disease, its clinical manifestations and methods of infection.

Disease pathogenesis

The virus enters the body and spreads in the blood and lymph.

Gastric juice, saliva, urine contain enzymes that can reduce the concentration of the virus to a minimum (which is why you cannot get infected through these fluids). The virus cannot exist outside a living organism for more than a few seconds, and also immediately dies at temperatures above 70ºС, at 56ºС - after 30 minutes.

When a virus cell enters the body, it integrates into a living cell. It converts its RNA into DNA, then inserts it into the DNA of the host cell, changing T-lymphocytes, causing it to produce similar viral cells and destroy existing ones. It is assumed that the virus responds to certain receptors on T-lymphocytes - CD4 cells.

Clinical manifestations of HIV infection in men

HIV belongs to the genus lentiviruses with a long incubation period.

For this reason, a person may not be aware of an existing infection for many years, as symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from many other diseases.

There are several stages of the development of the virus in the human body:

Incubation (from 10 to 60 days). Antibodies to HIV are not produced, it is impossible to determine the presence of HIV in the blood.
Acute (several weeks). It can manifest itself with symptoms such as fever, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, prolonged diarrhea, sudden weight loss, upper respiratory tract infection, herpes.
Latent or asymptomatic (on average about 10 years, depends on the immune system). In the absence of therapy, it may not manifest itself in any way or be accompanied only by a painless enlargement of the lymph nodes. If the infection has not progressed to AIDS, lifelong antiretroviral therapy blocks the infection and allows the patient to live into old age. If left untreated, a person can live 9-11 years before the onset of AIDS.
Terminal (AIDS). From the moment of diagnosis without treatment, a person can live for about 1 year, dying from tumors or opportunistic (attacking only with severe immunodeficiency) infections that affect almost all body systems.

HIV is diagnosed by a blood test for the presence of antibodies to the virus. The first analysis is carried out in the period from 2 weeks to 3 months after the alleged infection. Six months later, a second test is carried out.

If the second analysis gave a positive result, another one confirming is prescribed. The results of the analysis are communicated personally to the patient and are confidential. Compulsory HIV testing is prohibited, with the exception of testing blood and organ donors to avoid infecting others. All HIV-positive individuals are regularly tested for immune status and viral load to monitor the development of the virus.

Methods of infection with the virus

As described above, the virus cannot exist outside a living organism, at high temperatures, and is transmitted only from an infected person through blood, breast milk or sexual fluids. You can't get HIV:

Through kisses, since saliva contains enzymes that can destroy or reduce the concentration of viral cells to a minimum. In rare cases, there is a small risk of transmission of the virus in the presence of fresh wounds, inflammation in the oral cavity.
Airborne (sneezing, talking).
Through sweat, tears, urine (handshake, towel, bed linen, shared toilet).
When bitten by insects or animals.
When swimming in a pool or pond, as the virus dies when it enters the water.

Sexual route of infection in men

About 70-80% of infections in the world occur in this way. There are risk factors that increase the likelihood of sexually transmitted infection:

During unprotected intercourse, both men and women are most likely to become infected with HIV, since the virus is contained in semen and vaginal secretions. Proper use of quality condoms can significantly reduce the risk of HIV or STD (sexually transmitted disease) transmission.
Anal sex increases the risk of infection, as in this case, there is a high probability of cracking and inflammation of the anus and rectum.
The passive (receiving partner) is more susceptible to infection than the active partner in any type of sexual intercourse.
The presence of sexually transmitted diseases and STDs increase the risk of infection through sexual contact, since they can often be accompanied by the presence of ulcers and inflammation of the mucous membrane, that is, the protection of the skin is broken, which facilitates the penetration of the virus into the body. The presence of cervical erosion increases the likelihood of infection not only in women, but also in men, since together with the exfoliating cells of the uterus, the virus can enter the body of a man.

Women are 3 times more at risk of infection than men for the following reasons:

a larger amount of the virus enters the female body with sperm;
its concentration in semen is higher than in the vaginal secretion;
due to the anatomical structure, women are more susceptible to inflammation of the reproductive system and infection with STDs, which increases the likelihood of HIV infection.

Other ways of infection

Injection and instrumental method of infection. This route of infection is most common among injecting drug users. The reason is obvious: the use of a shared syringe. In a solution of heroin, HIV lives for about 21 days, in the cavity of a needle - for several days. Infections in this way account for 5-10% of all cases. The instrumental route is infection through non-disinfected instruments for tattooing, piercing, and manicure.

Hemotransfusion and transplantation way of infection. The hemotransfusion route is the transmission of the virus during the transfusion of infected blood, the transplantation route is during organ transplantation. Currently, they account for 3-5% of all cases, as the practice of testing all blood and organ donors for HIV is observed.

Perinatal and milk route of infection. Perinatal (vertical) - the route of transmission of the virus from a pregnant mother to her fetus. Milk - HIV infection in the process of feeding through breast milk. They make up 5-10% of all cases. Currently, when planning a pregnancy, a woman must be tested for HIV, and if the result is positive, therapy is prescribed to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to the child.

After birth, the baby is tested for the presence of antibodies in the blood, but a reliable result can be obtained only at 1.5 years, when a mandatory re-analysis is carried out.

Professional and domestic way of infection. Occupational exposure to the virus is usually caused by healthcare workers who come into contact with blood, breast milk, seminal or vaginal fluids. This happens only if patients have damaged skin areas. Is less than 0.01%. In such cases, no later than 72 hours after the alleged infection, aggressive antiretroviral therapy is started, and an HIV test is regularly done. In everyday life, the transmission of the virus in rare cases is possible when used with infected shaving accessories, scissors for cutting.

Treatment and prevention of HIV

It consists in the implementation of antiretroviral therapy, which blocks the virus, which contributes to the formation of immune cells in the body. In the presence of concomitant infections, their treatment is required.

In order to prevent HIV infection, precautions must be taken: practice protected sex; avoid casual sex; when in contact with liquids containing the virus, observe the necessary protective measures; do not take drugs; visit licensed clinics, dentistry, cosmetic, tattoo and piercing salons, where you can be sure that the instruments are thoroughly sterilized.

Many people believe in the myth that the likelihood of contracting HIV from a single unprotected contact is minimal. For this reason, they lead a carefree, sexually, lifestyle, and during one-time intercourse, they ignore contraceptives.

Actually it is not. It is during a single contact that the immunodeficiency virus is transmitted much more often than through other routes of infection.

Every day the number of HIV-infected people is increasing. An unverified infected person with whom sexual contact occurred is a carrier of immunodeficiency, and is one of the main causes of infection with the virus. Such contact can turn into disastrous consequences not only for health, but also for life.

According to the statistics of the survey, the majority of patients not only do not remember the names of the partner, but even the name. This factor indicates that most people do not believe in the likelihood of infection through unprotected contact, which occurred only once, and do not want to be aware of the danger that threatens not only their health, but also some others.

Experts and scientists in the field of medicine who study immunodeficiency have concluded that the chances of contracting HIV, as well as not being infected, are approximately the same. Of course, the risk of acquiring an infection is higher.

It may be worth considering whether unprotected intercourse is so important, which increases the chances of contracting HIV, and AIDS will naturally follow.

When HIV infection occurs, gender plays an important role.

Between scientists and today there are constant disputes about whether the risk of contracting HIV is the same for both females and males during a single sexual intercourse.

Some experts are of the opinion that yes.

But others have a very different point of view. They believe that an unprotected act is more dangerous for a woman. One of the main reasons is even the slightest damage in the area of the vagina and uterus. For example, erosion

An open wound allows infection to enter the blood stream immediately. After this, the spread of infection throughout the body can no longer be avoided.

Many people mistakenly assume that during the menstrual cycle with unprotected contact, the risk of infection is almost impossible.

Women are more at risk of contracting any disease that is sexually transmitted. All this happens due to ulcers and erosions, which are located on the external and internal zones of the genital organs. This factor increases the likelihood of contracting HIV, the consequence of which is AIDS.

Also, we must not forget that in women, the immune system during any infectious diseases that can only be contracted through sexual contact, greatly reduces its activity. This situation further increases the chance of acquiring the immunodeficiency virus.

Although the percentage of HIV infection in men is slightly lower, this does not mean that the safety of unprotected intercourse is guaranteed. Every male must remember this and always take precautions.

It should be borne in mind that in the sperm of an infected man, the presence of immunodeficiency is much greater than in the secret that the vagina secretes. This is another reason why the beautiful half of humanity is more prone to be triggered by a disease such as AIDS.

For a man, unprotected one-time contact with an infected partner is no less dangerous during the presence of such factors:

during the menstrual cycle;
in the presence of erosion or any other damage;
if there are any other diseases, the infection of which occurs only through the genitals.

In men, the topical issue is - what is the likelihood of contracting HIV, AIDS, if interruption of sexual intercourse is used for contraception.

An equally common question is whether it is possible to become infected with HIV if one deviates from traditional sexual intercourse, or is it possible to acquire an infection during other types of sexual contact?

Scientists say that with a single anal contact without the use of contraception, the likelihood of becoming HIV-infected is much greater than with traditional sex. HIV transmission lies in the mucous membrane of the anus and passage, which are covered with a large number of microcracks and sores. Does not represent safety and the first experience of this kind of sex.

The reason in this case is not only the first penetration, but also from such influencing factors: malnutrition, constipation, hemorrhoids, proctitis or other similar problems.

When the sperm hits the damaged surface, its penetration into the blood is much faster, and the immunodeficiency cells immediately begin an active spreading action.

For this reason, the percentage of infection among homosexuals for HIV and AIDS is much higher than in other cases.

At first glance, it seems that the safest is oral sex. But it's not. Although minimal, there is a risk of contracting the immunodeficiency virus.

In this case, the threat of infection increases for the receiving partner. The reasons for this are damage in the oral cavity:

the mucosa is broken, as a result of the slightest injury:
after tooth loss or extraction in the presence of an open place for infections;
with gum disease.

It is not enough to have information about the acquisition of immunodeficiency during a single sexual intercourse. By observing all the necessary precautions, you can not only not risk your health, but also protect yourself completely. But, in no case should you succumb to passionate impulses and ignore contraception.

If you always remember that contraceptives, in the form of a condom, protect against the acquisition of HIV infection by almost one hundred percent, then there is practically no possibility of becoming infected during a single contact.

After a single sexual intercourse with an unreliable partner, in order to reduce the likelihood of acquiring the immunodeficiency virus, it is worth contacting specialists to prescribe certain drugs designed to reduce the risks of infection.

In most cases, after the course of treatment, everything ends well. Only you need to apply no later than on the third day. The duration of the prophylaxis itself is approximately a month. Then a re-examination is done. In the event that the infection is still present, special medications are prescribed to prevent the rapid spread of the virus in the body.

But don't rely too much on early medical intervention to fully protect against HIV.

Never forget to take safety measures. The best option is to lead a sexual lifestyle with only one reliable partner.

The human immunodeficiency virus is the causative agent of a slowly progressive HIV infection. The danger of pathology lies in the ongoing destruction of immune cells, which leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and serious consequences, when the protective functions of the body are weakened so much that it loses the ability to resist diseases. Without specific treatment, an HIV patient dies on average 10 years after infection. Antiretroviral therapy helps to prolong life up to 70-80 years.

To date, there is no vaccine against HIV. The only way to prevent danger is to take preventive measures that reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a minimum. There are several types of infection. To understand how to protect yourself from this, you should figure out what is the likelihood of contracting HIV in each case.

Transmission of the virus through the blood

In a sick person, the virus is found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, sweat, and other body fluids. Infection occurs through direct contact with damaged mucous membranes and the circulatory system. The high probability of HIV infection during blood transfusion is due to gross non-compliance with the mandatory verification of the donor by medical personnel. If a carrier of the virus has become a donor, a healthy person will show signs of infection within the next 3 months. They are similar to the symptoms of a cold - fever, sore throat, headaches, loss of appetite.

From blood to blood, the virus can penetrate through the contact of open wounds. Intact (integral) skin serves as a kind of barrier that prevents the transmission of infection, so the infected blood itself, which has got on healthy skin, does not pose any threat. With injections, the likelihood of HIV increases rapidly if medical instruments are poorly or not sterilized at all. This method is common among drug addicts who use the same needles.

Attention! About 10% of HIV-infected people are drug addicts who inject psychotropic substances.

Infection at home - is it possible?

The household route is one of the rarest variants, accounting for less than 1% of all HIV transmissions. Infection is possible with the simultaneous use with the patient of such things as:

manicure scissors, tongs;
razors, hairdressing accessories;
tools for tattoos, piercing;
lancets for glucometers;
other piercing and cutting objects.

Health care workers whose patients may be HIV carriers are also susceptible to "occupational" infection, although the risk is small. This occurs at the time of an unintentional puncture with a needle and the ingress of infected blood into the eyes, mouth, open wounds, and mucous membranes.

Transmission of HIV from mother to child

Diagnosed with HIV in a pregnant woman is not an indication for abortion. Modern therapeutic methods have reduced the likelihood of HIV transmission from a woman to a child to 1%. The main thing is to start treatment already in the first trimester and be under constant medical supervision. To protect the baby during delivery, it is recommended to perform a caesarean section.

The period of lactation deserves special attention. In an infected mother, the immunodeficiency virus is found in breast milk. The probability of transmission of the pathogen during lactation reaches 20-25%. This can only be prevented by artificial feeding.

Sexual risk

Sexual transmission of infection is the most common among all possible. The probability of HIV in an unprotected act with a sick person reaches 80%, and this figure does not change depending on the type of intimacy. Anal sexual intercourse almost always involves trauma to the rectal mucosa and the formation of cracks in the anus, which favors the penetration of infection. During oral sex, the likelihood of HIV rapidly increases in the presence of acute diseases of the oral cavity, caries, inflammation of the gums, after swallowing the sperm of a partner with a positive HIV status.

Important! Women are infected 3 times more often than men. This is due to the fact that the vagina has a much larger mucosal area than the penis.

The likelihood of HIV with a single exposure will be the same as with multiple exposures. The risk is minimized by high-quality barrier contraceptives. A latex condom that is too thin or expired can break at the most crucial moment, which is fraught not only with the transmission of the virus, but also with STD infection, as well as unwanted pregnancy.

Factors that increase the risk of sexual transmission

Statistics show that sex with a sick person does not always lead to infection, but there are several factors that increase the likelihood of HIV transmission:

Venereal diseases in acute form. Most of them are accompanied by inflammatory processes in the internal genital organs, ulcerative formations, inhibition of healthy microflora. In addition, a huge number of lymphocytes, immune cells that serve as the main target for the immunodeficiency virus, “aspire” to the pathological focus.
The risk group includes women suffering from cervical erosion during menstruation, in case of defloration.
A large number of sexual partners, especially under the condition of unprotected intimacy.

Low immunity and chronic diseases contribute to the rapid spread of the virus throughout the body. It is possible to prevent the development of HIV infection and later AIDS thanks to antiviral therapy started immediately after sexual contact. The prophylactic course usually lasts at least 28 days.

How to avoid infection

The fight against a dangerous infection has long been brought to the global level, due to the high prevalence of HIV among the population of the entire planet. The severity of the disease and ways to prevent infection are informed in schools, higher educational institutions, and various public organizations. Prevention includes several standard recommendations:

A condom must be used for any type of sexual intercourse. The probability of contracting HIV is reduced to 1%.
Do not allow spontaneous intimate relationships with casual acquaintances.
Completely refrain from using drugs. Addictions of this kind push people to rash acts - the use of non-sterile syringes, entering into intimacy without contraception.
Timely treat chronic pathologies that reduce the body's resistance.

To confirm or refute the diagnosis of "HIV", a single test is not enough. To verify the reliability of the result, at least 3 laboratory tests must be done. With an active sexual life for the purpose of prevention, it is recommended to be periodically tested for both HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

It is worth noting that HIV is not transmitted by airborne droplets, through water, touch, household items (unless they have a piercing-cutting function), insect bites. The conclusion follows from this - if basic precautions are observed, communication with an infected person is safe.