Protect yourself by learning about the HIV virus and how it can and cannot be transmitted.
What Is HIV?
HIV is the more commonly-known abbreviation of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a retrovirus made up of, among other structural elements, the gp 41 and gp 120 proteins. These are seen as protruding, tree-like structures on the surface of the virus. With these proteins, the virus is able to attach itself to the host cells in the human body to prolong its life cycle and multiply.
The host cells that the HIV primarily infects are vital cells in the human immune system, specifically the CD4 T-cells, dendritic cells and macrophages. In the process, the virus destroys the infected cells through the following mechanisms:
- Direct viral killing;
- Increased rates of programmed cell death, known as apoptosis; and
- Destruction of infected CD4 T-cells by the body’s CD8 glycoprotein, which plays a pre-defined cytotoxic role within the immune system.
When the CD4 T-cell count drops below a critical level, the body’s immune system is compromised and becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections. If left untreated, the infected person develops Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and will eventually die.
How Serious Is The Global HIV/AIDS Situation?
Based on the joint report by UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) released in December 2007, there are a total of 33.2 million people worldwide living with HIV last year. 2.5 million were newly identified as being HIV+, and the number of AIDS deaths amounted to 2.1 million.
Although anti-retroviral medications can slow down the process of immunity destruction, there is still no known cure to-date. There is no vaccine to prevent infection either. As such, it is important that we fully understand how the virus can and cannot be transmitted, so as to protect ourselves and at the same time, prevent stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Where the Virus is Found:
A person who is HIV+ carries the virus in all of his/her bodily fluids. These include the blood, pre-ejaculation fluid, semen and vaginal fluid.
Traces of the virus can be found in the person's saliva, although the amount present is too miniscule to cause infection.
The HIV virus is very fragile in its constitution and cannot survive for long outside the human body and when exposed to the general atmosphere.
Modes of HIV Transmission:
The most common ways for the HIV virus to be transmitted are:
- Through the exchange of pre-ejaculation fluid, semen and/or vaginal fluid from an HIV+ person to his/her partner through unprotected sexual intercourse;
- Through the sharing of intravenous needles for the injection of drugs; and
- Through the breast milk of an HIV+ mother to her baby.
How HIV Cannot Be Transmitted:
The HIV virus CANNOT be transmitted through casual and social contact with a person who is HIV+ or infected with AIDS. There is absolutely no risk of transmission through the following activities:
- Sneezing and spitting;
- Touching, hugging and shaking hands;
- Bites by mosquitoes and other insects;
- Sharing of food and eating utensils;
- Use of health clubs, gyms, spas etc.; or
- Use of public toilets, bathrooms and sinks
Knowing the facts about HIV means that you can protect yourself against it effectively, without having to discriminate against or stigmatize those who are living with HIV/AIDS.
