Transmission of HIV/AIDS - Essay Example

The risk of infection through oral sex is rare. Transmission can also occur from mother to child during “pregnancy, birth or through breastfeeding” and this happens when infected maternal fluids enter a baby’s circulation. Another mode of transmission is through injections in which people share infected needles and syringes, especially those who abuse drugs. The shared materials often contain blood samples of previous users and the blood is injected into another person’s system (Public Health, 1).

Transfusion of contaminated blood, though this is controlled by screening blood products before use to minimize the risk, is another mode of the infection’s transmission. Other medical processes such as organ transplants may also transmit HIV but prior screening reduces recipients’ vulnerabilities. Previous infections by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and syphilis among other sexually transmitted infections increase a person’s risk of contracting HIV. Lastly, transmission can occur in health care settings when one encounters contaminated fluids or accidental injury by contaminated objects. The virus does not however spread through casual contact like shaking hands, toilet seats, and sharing towels as well as contact with saliva unless it is contaminated with blood (NHS Choices, 1; Public Health, 1).