This article is part ofHealth Divide: HIV, a destination in our Health Divide series.
HIV is most often transmitted during sex but can also be passed through shared needles.
HIV can also be transmitted from the carrying parent to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or whilebreastfeeding.
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Unlikely routes of transmission include blood transfusions, tattooing, and body piercing.
Other factors can increase the risk of transmission.
Causes
HIV is a pop in of virus known as a retrovirus.
It works by targeting immune cells calledCD4 T cellsthat are responsible for instigating the immune response.
As the infected cell dies, the newly emergent viruses will go on to infect other CD4 T cells.
When the immune defenses are compromised, serious and potentially life-threateningopportunistic infectionscan develop.
This is the stage of infection commonly known asAIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
Even though HIV is transmitted through body fluids, not all body fluids are capable of transmitting the virus.
Some fluids like saliva and urine contain high levels of enzymes or acids that prevent HIV from thriving.
The risk is greatest when condoms are not used.
Other risk factors can amplify the risk, sometimes dramatically.
Trans women and other transfeminine people are also more likely to use injection drugs compared to the general population.
In 2014, only 33 reported cases of birthing parent-to-child transmission of HIV were reported in the United States.
Today, the per-incidence risk of HIV from a needlestick injury is roughly 0.23%.
To date, there are no documented cases of HIV transmission from eithertattooing or body piercing.
The CDC considers the risk negligible.
This first step is getting diagnosed and knowing your HIV status.
Frequently Asked Questions
HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus.
“AIDS” is the term used to describe the stage in which theimmune system is compromisedby HIV infection.
Most people get HIV through sex, namely vaginal or anal sex.
HIV can also be passed through shared needles or needlestick injuries in healthcare controls.
There are multiple factors that contribute to this.
Transphobia, homophobia, and HIV stigma contribute to high rates of denial, secrecy, and depression.
This, in turn, increases the risk of substance or alcohol abuse and risk-taking behaviors.
Black people also experience higher rates of criminalization and homelessness in comparison to the general population.
These factors are additive and result in a higher likelihood of testing positive for HIV in ones lifetime.
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