The Truth About HIV Transmission- What You Can and Can’t Catch It From

Despite significant progress in treatment and awareness, misconceptions about how HIV spread continue to create fear, stigma, and hesitation among people. Understanding the real modes of transmission is not only important for prevention but also for creating a more considerate and informed society. Here is the truth about what you can and cannot catch HIV from.

This World AIDS Day, we reached out to Dr Major Milind Bhrushundi, Prof & HOD Medicine, Datta Meghe Medical college, Nagpur and Dr Megha Navade, Consultant, Central India Institute of Infectious Diseases & Research, Medical Square, Nagpur to get their insights on this sensitive topic.

How HIV Is Actually Transmitted

As per Dr Bhrushundi, “HIV can only be transmitted when some of the body fluids of a living person with HIV enter another person's bloodstream. These include blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Even within these, transmission requires a specific route: such as unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.”

The most frequent mode of transmission of HIV remains unprotected sex.

“If this virus enters the body via mucous membranes during vaginal or anal intercourse, it can infect key immune cells. Similarly, sharing needles and syringes that are contaminated will allow infected blood to directly enter someone else's bloodstream,” shares Dr Navade.

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Less frequently, such transmission may occur through occupational exposure in healthcare settings, although strict safety protocols have made those cases extremely rare.
Equally important, a person on effective treatment for HIV, with an undetectable viral load, cannot sexually transmit the virus-a concept now known as U=U, or Undetectable = Untransmittable. That is one of the greatest advances in HIV care and decreases both medical risk and stigma.

What HIV cannot be transmitted through

Everyday interactions do not pose a risk for HIV transmission. You cannot become infected with HIV through:

• Touch, hugs, or handshakes
• Sharing food, utensils, or drinking glasses
• Using the same toilet seat or shower
• Coughing, sneezing, or casual contact
• Tears, sweat, or saliva, unless combined with blood and an open wound, which is highly unlikely.
• Mosquitoes or insect bites

Also Read: HIV And Fertility: Expert Explains The Challenges And How IVF Can Make Parenthood Possible

According to Dr Bhrushundi, “The virus does not survive outside of the human body and is unable to multiply in air or water. That means swimming pools, public transport, gyms, and the workplace all carry no risk.”

Unfortunately, a number of persistent myths around HIV everyday situations continue to isolate people living with HIV and discourage others from getting tested or treated.

Why Knowing the Facts about HIV Matters

Information is power-accurate information. When people know how HIV is and isn't transmitted, they can take steps to protect themselves without unwarranted fears. In addition, it leads to supportive settings that allow people to seek care without discrimination.

“Prevention remains simple and effective: practice safer sex, use condoms, consider pre-exposure prophylaxis in case of high risk, and never share needles. Testing is also equally important, since early diagnosis means early treatment and allows people living with HIV to lead a long, healthy, and productive life,” highlights Dr Navade.

Conclusion

HIV is medically manageable today, but misbeliefs still prevail and pose a huge challenge. By differentiating between fact and fiction, we can protect ourselves, take care of the infected, and reduce stigma. Knowledge, compassion, and awareness are some of our strongest weapons against HIV.