HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Spreads through direct and indirect contact with HIV
Leads to AIDS
Two Types:
HIV-1
HIV-2
Destroys blood cells that help the body fight diseases
Transmission methods include:
- Unprotected sex with someone who has HIV
- Sharing needles, syringes, rinse water, or other equipment used to prepare illicit drugs for injection.
- Birth to an infected mother – HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding
Less common transmission in the workplace include:
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- Being “stuck” with an HIV-contaminated needle or another sharp object
- Receiving blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants contaminated with HIV
- Unsafe or unsanitary injections or other medical or dental practices
- Being bitten and skin is broken
- Contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-infected blood or blood-contaminated body fluids
The CDC says HIV cannot spread by:
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- Air or water
- Insects, including mosquitoes
- Ordinary saliva, tears, or sweat
- Casual contact like shaking hands or sharing dishes
- Closed mouth contact