(5) factors  that contribute to HIV transmission

Unprotected Sex: Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an HIV-infected person significantly increases the risk of transmission. This is because the virus is present in the sexual fluids of an infected person.

Sharing Needles: Sharing needles, syringes, rinse water, or other equipment used to prepare illicit drugs for injection can expose individuals to HIV. The virus can live in a used needle for up to 42 days depending on temperature and other factors.

Mother-to-Child Transmission: HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Without treatment, around 15-30% of babies born to HIV positive women will become infected with the virus.

Blood Transfusions: In some cases, HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions. However, this is very rare in countries where blood is screened for HIV antibodies.

Unprotected Sex Between Men: Men who have sex with men are at a greater risk of HIV infection if they engage in unprotected sex. This is due to the high prevalence of HIV in this population, and because anal sex poses a higher risk of transmission than other forms of sexual activity.

Unprotected Sex: Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an HIV-infected person significantly increases the risk of transmission. This is because the virus is present in the sexual fluids of an infected person.

Sharing Needles: Sharing needles, syringes, rinse water, or other equipment used to prepare illicit drugs for injection can expose individuals to HIV. The virus can live in a used needle for up to 42 days depending on temperature and other factors.

Mother-to-Child Transmission: HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Without treatment, around 15-30% of babies born to HIV positive women will become infected with the virus.

Blood Transfusions: In some cases, HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions. However, this is very rare in countries where blood is screened for HIV antibodies.

Unprotected Sex Between Men: Men who have sex with men are at a greater risk of HIV infection if they engage in unprotected sex. This is due to the high prevalence of HIV in this population, and because anal sex poses a higher risk of transmission than other forms of sexual activity.