II. Transmission
- HIV is passed via cellular fluids
- Sexual intercourse
- Blood exposure
- Breast Milk
- HIV is present in other fluids, but not transmitted
- Transmission is potentiated by other factors
- Concurrent other Sexually Transmitted Disease
- Menses
III. Prevention: Sexual behaviors
-
General
- Safest behavior is abstinence
- If not abstinent, then practice monogamy
- If not monogamous, then limit number of partners
- Preventive strategies
- Disclose your HIV status to all sexual partners
- Always use Condoms (reduces transmission risk by 80-95%)
- Consider Male Circumcision if uncircumsized (reduces transmission risk by 50-80%)
- Avoid behaviors that cause mucosal Trauma
- No sex unless sober
IV. Prevention: Intravenous Drug Abuse
- Strongly consider drug rehabilitation program
- Do not share needles
- Use new needles (bleach needles if not new)
V. Prevention: Household measures
- HIV is not spread by casual contact
- However, precautions are recommended:
- Apply bleach to blood spills
- Do not share ToothBrushes or razors
VI. Prevention: Medical Care
- Treat comorbid Sexually Transmitted Disease
- STDs facilitate HIV Transmission
- Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV
- Antiretrovirals dramatically lower transmission risk
- Prenatal HIV diagnosis and treatment is critical
- Sexual partners also benefit from lower risk
- Transmission still occurs at undetectable viral load
- Antiretrovirals dramatically lower transmission risk