HIV lives in human body mainly in body fluids and secretions viz., Blood, Semen, Vaginal secretions and breast milk. HIV concentration is more in blood, followed in order by semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. HIV can live for only 15 to 30 seconds outside the human body. However, the secretions and body fluids like Saliva, Tears, Sweat, Faeces and Urine have negligible HIV concentration and CANNOT.transmit the virus from one person to another.
.HIV spreads from an HIV infected person to another by 4 main routes :
How HIV is transmitted ?
1. Sexual mode of transmission is the commonest route for spread of infection. By having unprotected sex (Having sex without condom is called unprotected sex), the risk of acquiring HIV infection is very high. The risk is very high in the presence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).
2. By transfusing HIV+ blood. The transfusion of HIV+ blood leads to 100% transmission.
3. From an HIV infected mother to her child during the time of pregnancy or delivery and breast-feeding.
4. By using HIV contaminated instruments like syringes or needles or surgical and dental instruments.
