AIDS: Transmission Facts and Myths

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a medical health condition characterized by a very weak immune system and its inability to fight infections. AIDS is caused by a virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that progressively attacks the immune system. The immune system functions as natural body defense against infectious bacteria and viruses. When the immune system damage caused by the HIV reaches a very weak stage to fend off infections, AIDS is said to have developed.

AIDS origin and how it developed in the human body is a subject of debates by medical scientist. Based on many studies HIV is actually an evolved form of SIV found in primate species. How SIV virus crossed to the human species and developed into HIV is still being studied, and many theories are put forward in attempt to solve this mystery.

AIDS is incurable. Although AIDS per se is not life threatening, it leaves the body open for opportunistic infections and diseases. These opportunistic infections take advantage of the opening offered by an undermined immune system. Although AIDS is incurable, antiretroviral treatments are available to inhibit or prolong the period from HIV infection to the inception of AIDS.

AIDS is considered a global epidemic. Since the first reported case of AIDS in humans in 1981, it claims 25 million lives or more. Based on World Heath Organization (WHO) AIDS statistics for 2007, there are 33 million cases in the world.

Region	HIV/AIDS Cases (in millions)
Sub-Saharan Africa	22.0
North Africa & Middle East	0.38
Asia	5
Oceania	0.074
Latin America	1.7
Caribbean	0.23
Eastern Europe & Central Asia	1.5
North America, Western & Central Europe	2.0
.

Due to the rising trend of AIDS cases in the world, global scale information and awareness drive are continuously undertaken to promote awareness to the general populace and to dispel disadvantageous and misleading misconceptions regarding the disease. Out of fear and ignorance, many myths are circulated on transmission of AIDS.

Since transmission is an important aspect of the AIDS prevention, it very important to be aware of how this disease is transferred and contacted. Here are the facts of AIDS transmission.

• Vaginal Sex – An infected person’s sexual fluids are found to contain HIV, which means seminal fluids of men and vaginal fluids of women during sex can contaminate and infect the sexual partner.
• Anal Sex – A higher risk of transmission is found on anal intercourse. Anal linings are found to be more delicate and prone to lacerations and damage during sex thus increasing the probability of HIV transmission. This is underscored by the fact that early reported AIDS in humans occurred on the gay populace where this is prevalent.
• Oral Sex – This transmission mode carries smaller risk of transmission. Seminal or vaginal fluids when enters the mouth can infect a person especially when gum and mouth sores are present.
• Injecting Drugs – This is a high-risk transmission mode prevalent on drug users. Sharing needles, syringes, and injections is considered an efficient way to transmit HIV than sexual intercourse.
• Mother-child transmission – Infected pregnant mothers transmit HIV on their unborn infants during pregnancy and delivery. Also, breastfeeding can transmit HIV on the child.
• Blood transfusions and products – This case is now very rare. Modern medical practice on blood transfusion utilizes a strict test to detect HIV and other diseases prior to these activities.
• Tattoos and piercing – This activity potentially allows blood transfusion on smaller amounts through tattoo and piercing equipments.

Transmission myths are circulated among the less-informed populace and promote unsolicited fear and panic. Among the prevalent myths about AIDS transmission are the following.

• Kissing – Is a well circulated myth on AIDS transmission. Truth is saliva does not contain HIV and that a generous quantity of virus is needed for such transmission to occur.
• Sharing Utensils, Sneezing, and coughing – It is important to be aware that the HIV virus cannot live outside its host like on the glasses, spoons, or utensils used by an infected person. Also HIV cannot survive on the air. These activities do not transmit HIV.
• Insects – Many studies show negative transmission chance on this mode. HIV cannot live on insects like mosquitoes.