Causes and modes of transmission of AIDS
AIDS is an advanced stage of the HIV infection. Read here the various causes of AIDS and modes of transmission.
AIDS is an advanced stage of HIV infection
AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS is an advanced stage of the HIV infection. Although having HIV infection does not always mean that you have AIDS.
Spread through body fluids
HIV is spread by the transmission of HIV infected body fluids such as blood, semen, breast milk from one person to another.
Spread due to unprotected sex
Sex is the most common mode of transmission of HIV infection. Anal sex, having sex with multiple partners or having sexually transmitted diseases increase the probability of HIV contraction many folds. Unprotected vaginal sex is also a common route of transmission.
Contaminated materials
Sharing syringe, needle or other materials used in preparing injections with someone who is HIV infected causes transmission of the HIV virus.
Transmission of HIV from infected mother to unborn child
HIV can also be transmitted from an HIV infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy.
Transmission through HIV infected blood
Transfusion of HIV infected blood, blood components or HIV contaminated organs/ tissue transplant can also result in spread of HIV.
Weak immune system
When the immune system becomes so weak that that it cannot ward off diseases, and CD4+ cells, which form our defense system against diseases, get destroyed; it is a sign that HIV has become AIDS. Usually it takes years to progress to full blown AIDS.
Strengthen the immune system
With the advancements in sciences, there are drugs and treatments, which can slow or stop the damage to the immune system if HIV is discovered before AIDS. If AIDS has already developed, then there are drugs to support the immune system to recover its healthy state.
A complex disease
Even with the treatments available, AIDS is still a complex disease that makes the body susceptible to other fatal diseases like cancer. Thus, one should be very careful in certain situations that may lead to transmission of AIDS.
