HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus responsible for causing AIDS in millions of people worldwide. First discovered in the early 1980s, HIV is a type of lentivirus that attacks the immune system in its host, usually after first residing in the host without causing any symptoms for many years. Once the virus begins battling the immune system, a complex group of symptoms begins, leading to AIDS and subsequent complications and death. Due to the widespread prevalence and serious consequences of HIV, becoming familiar with how this virus is spread could be a lifesaver--literally.
Today, research exists that demonstrates HIV initially began as a virus in African monkeys, and then crossed species to infect humans. Although we don't know for sure how this happened, several theories exist that hypothesize how such a leap could have occurred. One theory explains the viral transfer via the hunting and eating of affected monkeys, followed by quick spreading due to overcrowded and dirty conditions in many African towns. Another cites the introduction of the oral polio vaccination into Africa as the culprit, while a third maintains that the virus was man-made and deliberately inflicted. However, even if agreement regarding the initial cause of HIV to mutate and cross species-lines is never reached by the masses, most experts concur on how HIV is spread from person to person.
Scientific evidence supports the fact that HIV is not airborne,waterborne or insect-borne. Instead, HIV is transmitted by contact with bodily fluids from an affected person. Sexual intercourse with a person with HIV, reusing needles that have been in contact with an affected person's blood, and receiving a blood transfusion from infected individuals all can lead to acquiring HIV. However, urine is not considered to be a mode of infection, as urine is sterile. Also, infants may catch HIV from affected mothers during the birthing process or breastfeeding. Because of the manner in which HIV is spread, certain populations are more at risk than others. People who have multiple at-risk sexual partners without using condoms or drug addicts who share needles with multiple users can actually increase the rate at which the disease spreads. On the other hand, utilizing safe-sex practices including condoms, practicing monogamy, and only using sterilized, new needles helps reduce the spread of HIV.
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