What Causes HIV and AIDS?

In plain language, HIV and AIDS are sexually transmitted diseases that are spread by having unprotected sex with an infected partner.  The virus enters the body through the linings of the vulva, penis, rectum, vagina, or the mouth during sex.  AIDS was first diagnosed in homosexual males in the early 1980’s it has spread throughout the world and most new cases are in the heterosexual population throughout the world. 

This disease can be spread through contact with contaminated blood.  This can through a transfusion of blood units or of contaminated blood.  This is a danger for anyone in the health care field and measures should be taken to prevent accidental infection of HIV or AIDS.  HIV is often spread among drug users who share needles or syringes with other users.  Women also are passing the HIV virus to their unborn children during their pregnancy or while giving birth. 

It is important to know that HIV/AIDS cannot be spread through casual contact with an infected person.  You cannot get the virus that causes AIDS by using food utensils that an infected person has used, and it can’t be passed through use of bed linens or towels that have been used by an AIDS patient.  Another common myth that needs debunking is that you can get AIDS in a swimming pool, contact with a telephone, or water fountain, or from an unprotected toilet seat.  In the beginning of the awareness of HIV and AIDS, people would shun those people who were exposed to the virus, including banning them from churches and public buildings because they have had contact with an AIDS patient.  One person who attended a church that had provided the funeral for her husband, an AIDS patient, was educated by the pastor to allow the congregation to welcome her with open arms…literally.  The first time a member of the congregation gave her a hug, she cried.  It was the first time someone who didn’t know her had spontaneously given her a hug since her husband had been diagnosed with AIDS.  The education of the American public and the world has come a long way in the last 30 years, and usually people know the virus can’t be passed on with casual touch. 

It is important to know that people who already have an existing sexually transmitted disease are more likely to develop HIV and AIDS.  Syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea are common sexually transmitted diseases and those who have these diseases are more likely to develop AIDS.

If you are in a relationship with a partner who is at risk, or already has the HIV virus, you should clearly take precautions to prevent getting the virus.  While researchers are still working on a chemical barrier to prevent the spread of the virus through sexual transmission, there is still no effective way to prevent infection with drugs or chemicals.  If you are in an occupation where you will have contact with contaminated blood there are simple procedures that will prevent you from contracting the disease.

Important Information in AIDS and HIV Issues