How Is HIV Transmitted?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids. Also, an HIV-infected mother can transmit the virus to a child during childbirth. It can move through blood, semen and even breast milk. Although some studies have shown that HIV is transmitted through saliva, transmission of this kind is less likely to occur than from unprotected sex or sharing needles.

HIV and Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are cells in the immune system. There are white blood cells that can recognize, pinpoint and kill antigens in the blood that get created by infection. The body responds by making more white blood cells and antibodies. Antibodies essentially stop an antigen's ability to hurt or kill vital organs. The process is extremely intricate, but what basically happens is that proteins in a person's DNA make it possible to kill disease. The DNA helps the immune system work properly. HIV and AIDS sufferers have an immune system that essentially works against them. The body's immune system uses its white blood cells to attack and kill healthy cells. A person's ability to fight infection is either diminished or destroyed entirely.

HIV can be transmitted through tainted blood transfusion. It can also be transmitted through oral sex. It is not, however, possible to transmit HIV through simple exchanges. You cannot get the infection by being around someone who has it. It is not transmitted through handshakes or simple touching.
Many myths about how HIV is transmitted exist. These stories are often utterly dehumanizing for some. People often make the mistake that HIV is a gay disease or some kind of punishment for bad or immoral behavior. This disease affects many different people from all walks of life. Assumptions and misinformation about HIV put people at risk, too. For example, if someone is unaware of how HIV is transmitted, it might cause them to unwittingly transmit the disease further. Men and women often do not seek the care they may need for fear of humiliation and reprisal from family, friends and even the medical community, too.