World AIDS Day 2024: Can You Get AIDS Without Sexual Contact? Here's What Doctors Say

December 1 is observed as ‘World AIDS Day’ globally to create awareness about AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and its impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. With World AIDS Day 2024 ahead of us, we are here to debunk some misconceptions about AIDS. While there are many myths that have become common beliefs, one question often sparks debate, which is, can you get AIDS without making any sexual contact. Read this article to learn about this in detail our expert, Dr Suyash Kulkarni, Consultant- Internal Medicine, MBBS, DNB (Med), MNAMS, CTCCM, and FCCCM, at Surya Hospitals, Santacruz.

Can You Get AIDS Without Sexual Contact?

“AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is caused by  Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). While sexual contact is the most common mode of transmission, understanding other modes of transmission is essential for prevention and awareness,” said Dr Suyash.

How You Can Get Aids Without Sexual Contact?

Dr Kulkarni highlighted, “HIV is passed by blood, semen (including pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids and breast milk. HIV can only be passed when the virus in one of these fluids gets into the body of an HIV-negative person.”

Here are the other ways through which AIDS can spread from one person to another.

• Blood transfusion: “Direct blood-to-blood contact can spread blood-borne diseases. Compared to sexual transmission, blood-to-blood contact has a very high per-act efficiency for HIV transmission. The primary cause of this is that the virus enters the bloodstream immediately,” shared the doctor.

• Mother-to-Child Transmission: Dr Kulkarni said, “A mother with HIV can infect her kid with the virus, through the exchange of placental blood during pregnancy, during delivery by coming into contact with blood or vaginal secretions, or while nursing through breast milk contaminated with HIV.”
• Contact with Open Wounds or Mucous Membranes:  “HIV can be transmitted from open wounds if blood from an infected wound comes in contact with the wound,” he continued.
• Contaminated instruments: Dr Suyash mentioned, “Another person may become infected if tools used for medical operations like scalpels or injections or for recreational activities like tattoos or body piercings are contaminated.”

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“It's crucial to remember that HIV cannot be spread via handshakes, hugs, or sharing food. The reduction of non-sexual transmission risks is mostly dependent on awareness and preventive actions, such as the use of sterile equipment and adherence to universal precautions. Seeking medical advice as soon as possible is essential if exposure is suspected. Seeking medical attention right away once is essential if exposure is suspected. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can help manage HIV effectively. ART suppresses the virus, reduces the risk of transmission, and improves the quality of life for people living with HIV,” concluded Dr Suyash.

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