Module 5: HIV Transmission and Prevention
Completion requirements
Module 5: HIV Transmission and Prevention
Module 5: HIV Transmission and Prevention, Screen 3 of 17
HIV Transmission and Prevention
For HIV to pass from one person to another, one of the five fluids containing HIV has to enter the bloodstream of an uninfected person. HIV can’t survive long outside the human body, and human skin is excellent at protecting against infection.
HIV can only get into the body when the skin is torn or compromised in some way, or when HIV passes through mucous membranes (for example, the wet, soft skin in the rectum and vagina).
There are four ways, called modes of transmission, that HIV can enter the body:
Ask yourself: What are the five fluids that can transmit HIV? If you’re not sure, reread the last few screens.
HIV Transmission and Prevention
For HIV to pass from one person to another, one of the five fluids containing HIV has to enter the bloodstream of an uninfected person. HIV can’t survive long outside the human body, and human skin is excellent at protecting against infection.
HIV can only get into the body when the skin is torn or compromised in some way, or when HIV passes through mucous membranes (for example, the wet, soft skin in the rectum and vagina).
There are four ways, called modes of transmission, that HIV can enter the body:
- During unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse sex, and possibly, under very specific conditions, oral sex
- While sharing injection equipment, most often needles
- During pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, from mother to fetus or newborn
- Through contact with blood during health care or other occupational exposure
Ask yourself: What are the five fluids that can transmit HIV? If you’re not sure, reread the last few screens.