How Is HIV Transmitted?

 

HIV spreads through specific body fluids:

๐ Blood

๐ Semen

๐ Vaginal fluids

๐ Breast milk

 

Risk of HIV Infection per Exposure

 

Average risk based on research (per single exposure):

 

1. Vaginal Sex

 

๐ Risk: 0.08% - 0.1% (~1 in 1,000)

 

2. Anal Sex (especially receptive partner)

 

๐ Risk: 1.4% - 1.7%

๐ Higher risk due to fragile tissue and microtears

 

3. Oral Sex

 

Very low risk

๐ Open wounds in mouth

๐ Bleeding gums

 

What Is PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)?

 

PEP is an antiretroviral treatment taken after exposure to prevent HIV infection.

 

Key Conditions

 

๐ Must start within 72 hours (3 days)

๐ Best effectiveness if started within 2 hours

๐ Must be taken continuously for 28 days

 

Effectiveness

 

๐ Reduces risk by 80-90%+ when taken correctly

 

If More Than 72 Hours Have Passed

 

PEP is no longer effective

๐ HIV testing

๐ Safe sex practices

๐ Avoid further risk

 

HIV Testing Timeline After Exposure

 

4 Weeks (1 Month)

 

๐ First test

๐ Detects most infections (4th generation test)

๐ Not yet 100% conclusive

 

12 Weeks (3 Months)

 

๐ Follow-up test

๐ Accuracy: >99% (confirmatory)

 

24 Weeks (6 Months)

 

๐ Optional (high-risk or immunocompromised individuals)

 

 

Summary

 

๐ Unprotected sex carries a real risk of HIV infection

๐ Even if percentages seem low, consequences are lifelong

 

 

 

 

source : CH9 Airport Hospital
**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team