The Role Of HIV In The United States

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HIV is a disease that mystifies many. Individuals have heard many myths about HIV, as such there are many questions that seem to go unanswered for many Americans today. This section of the course will provide facts about HIV risks and will identify the various modes of transmission for HIV.
HIV is passed from one person to another through sexual behaviors and needle and syringe use. It is important to note that there are specific body fluids that are involved in the transmission of HIV from an infected person to another. Those body fluids are semen (cum), Pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. These fluids must come into contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue, or must be injected into the bloodstream (from a needle or syringe) for transmission to occur. Mucous membranes are found in the rectum, vagina, penis, and mouth. …show more content…

Anal sex is the highest risk behavior especially receptive anal sex. Vaginal sex is the second highest risk behavior.
There are less common modes of HIV transmission. For instance, HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth or through breastfeeding. The number of occurrences for this mode have been significantly decreased because most healthcare providers now test for HIV and begin treatment if necessary. Another less common mode of HIV transmission is being stuck with an HIV contaminated needle. This is mainly a risk for health care

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