How is HIV transmitted from person to person? How HIV is transmitted Preventing infection during drug injections

HIV infection is quite difficult to contract, but at the same time, people can become HIV positive even after a single exposure to the virus.

The risk of transmitting HIV infection depends on the amount of viruses contained in the biological fluid of an HIV-infected person with which a healthy person comes into contact. The concentration of the virus is not the same at different periods of infection and in different body fluids in humans - the source of HIV infection.

Biological fluids in which the virus is contained in maximum concentration (or concentration sufficient for infection):

− Blood;
− Sperm;
− Vaginal, vaginal secretion;
− Breast milk;
− Cerebrospinal fluid, contact with which can only occur in extreme cases, for example, in case of spinal injuries with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Biological fluids that contain the virus in low concentrations and do not pose a danger in terms of infection:

− Urine;
− Tears;
− Saliva;
− Sputum;

Human infection with the virus occurs when biological fluids containing HIV in maximum concentration enter the bloodstream or mucous membrane.

Natural and artificial transmission routes

HIV infection can be transmitted both naturally and artificially.

Natural routes of transmission of HIV include:

− Contact, which occurs primarily during sexual intercourse (both homo- and heterosexual) and when the mucous or wound surface comes into contact with blood.
− Vertical - infection of a child from an HIV-infected mother: during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

Artificial routes of HIV transmission include:

− Artificial - for non-medical invasive procedures, including intravenous drug administration; when applying tattoos; when performing cosmetic, manicure and pedicure procedures using non-sterile instruments.
− Artificial - for medical invasive interventions in medical institutions. HIV infection can occur through the transfusion of blood, its components, organ and tissue transplantation, the use of donor sperm, donor breast milk from an HIV-infected donor, as well as through medical instruments for parenteral interventions, medical devices contaminated with HIV and not processed in accordance with with the requirements of regulatory documents.

HIV is not transmitted

HIV is not transmitted by airborne droplets, water, personal contact, through the use of shared utensils, the same toilet, transport, when attending school, during sports games, swimming in the pool, shaking hands, hugging, or kissing.

Blood-sucking insects and arthropods (mosquitoes, bedbugs, lice, ticks) do not participate in the transmission of the virus.

Possibility of HIV transmission

The probability of transmitting HIV infection through different routes is not the same; data from literature sources on the risk of HIV infection through various contacts are shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Possibility of HIV transmission

Transmission path	Probability of transmission HIV infections, %
From man to woman with unprotected vaginal intercourse	0,01–0,2
From woman to man with unprotected vaginal intercourse	0,003–0,01
From man to man with unprotected anal intercourse	0,03–0,5
Vertical transmission from mother to child	13–50
Injected with an HIV-contaminated needle	0,03–0,3
When using non-sterile equipment for injecting drugs	1–70
When transfusing infected blood products	80–100

The greatest risk of HIV infection occurs when damaged skin comes into contact with HIV-infected blood. There is almost a 100 percent chance of contracting HIV through the transfusion of HIV-infected blood, blood components and organ and tissue transplantation. The transmission of HIV infection around the world is also recorded through the use of donor sperm and breast milk. In the Perm region, only 1 case of HIV infection was registered through the transfusion of blood components in 2001.

Another option for transmitting HIV infection artificially is infection through drug use with non-sterile equipment. This is the most common route of HIV transmission worldwide. Data on the likelihood of contracting HIV vary widely (from less than 1% to 70%). This is due to the presence of various drug use practices that are risky for HIV transmission: sharing needles, syringes or containers for drug use.

Natural routes of transmission of HIV infection include sexual intercourse through homo and heterosexual contact and transmission of HIV infection from mother to child. When it comes to sexual intercourse, the riskiest ones are unprotected anal intercourse. The lowest risk of infection occurs during vaginal sexual intercourse between an uninfected man and an HIV-infected woman.

Condoms effectively protect against HIV infection through sexual contact. The risk of HIV infection can only arise if they are damaged, torn or misused.

The risk of transmission of HIV infection from mother to child using modern highly active chemoprophylaxis regimens can be reduced to 2% or less. In their absence, up to 45% of children become infected.

How is the immunodeficiency virus transmitted?

There are only three ways of transmitting HIV infection.

Sexual tract. HIV is transmitted from one person to another during unprotected sexual contact (without a condom) when sperm or vaginal secretions from an infected partner enter the body.

HIV can be transmitted from man to woman, from woman to man, and from man to man. Both vaginal and anal sex can transmit HIV. Anal sex carries the greatest risk because it is more traumatic. Unprotected oral sex and homosexual sex between women are associated with a lower risk of HIV transmission.

Through the blood. HIV is transmitted through contaminated blood or blood products. This can happen when transfusion of blood, plasma, or blood products that has not been tested for HIV. However, HIV infection through donor blood transfusion is unlikely, due to the fact that all donors are required to be tested for HIV at each blood donation. People who had the opportunity to become infected should not be donors (even if the tests are currently negative, but this person may be in the “window period”), so as not to expose even the minimal risk of infection to recipients - people who will receive a transfusion.

Repeated use of medical needles and syringes without sterilization can also lead to the transfer of small amounts of blood from one person to another and, consequently, to HIV infection. This is most often observed among drug addicts who inject drugs intravenously and use a shared syringe.

It is also possible to transmit HIV when infected blood enters a wound on the body of an uninfected person.

HIV can be transmitted through contaminated blood left on instruments used for ear piercing, tattooing, etc. Needles used for these purposes should also be disposable or sterilized after each use. Sharing toothbrushes and razors should also be avoided, although the risk of infection this way is minimal.

From mother to child. An HIV-positive mother can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

According to statistics, the risk of infection is on average 20-45%. The risk is likely greater if the mother is newly infected or already has AIDS than if the mother is asymptomatic. But today there are medications that can reduce the risk of having an HIV-infected child by up to 4-6% if a woman takes them during pregnancy. All children born to HIV-positive mothers contain antibodies to HIV in their blood, regardless of whether the child is infected or not, because Maternal antibodies to HIV cross the placenta. In uninfected children, antibodies disappear by the age of one and a half years. Only then can an HIV test determine whether the child is infected. Also, transmission of the virus from mother to child can occur during breastfeeding, because breast milk contains a sufficient concentration of HIV infection for the baby to become infected. If an HIV-positive woman wants to have a child, she should consult with a qualified professional about the risk of having a child with HIV.

To protect yourself from this terrible disease, you need to know how you can become infected with HIV. There are only 3 ways of transmitting the virus. The remaining routes of infection, which many people fear, are nothing more than long-dispelled myths. Anyone can be helpless in the face of the virus, so you need to know about preventive measures that will help reduce the risk of infection.

Routes of infection with the immunodeficiency virus

The main condition for infection is an infected person who is a carrier of the virus or already knows about his diagnosis, since the disease has progressed to the AIDS stage. The first category of people in this case poses a much greater danger to others, because these people do not know about their carriage. Anyone can be a carrier of the virus, regardless of gender.

HIV infection occurs when the virus enters the blood of a healthy person from an infected person. There is no other route of transmission. Doctors indicate the following methods of transmission of infection:

Through sex. The infection is transmitted sexually, and it does not matter what kind of sex a person practices. However, medical statistics say that more people are infected among homosexuals than among heterosexuals. But the latter, if they practice anal sex, also have a high risk of infection.

Through blood. Most often, infection occurs in the following cases:

when using shared syringes and needles to inject drugs in the company of drug addicts;
during blood transfusion, organ transplantation, which is caused only by the negligence of doctors;
when applying tattoos or piercing piercings with non-sterile needles.

Vertical infection. It involves the transmission of infection from an infected mother to the fetus. Infection can occur both during gestation and during birth or lactation.

It is worth noting that an infected mother can give birth to a healthy baby, and the chance of this is great - in 70% of cases completely healthy children are born. Therefore, it is imperative to carry out explanatory work with such women so that they do not abandon their children in maternity hospitals due to the possible illness of the baby.

At-risk groups

Anyone can become infected with HIV, but doctors identify several categories of people whose likelihood of contracting HIV is very high.

The risk group includes:

Drug addicts. If a person injects a drug using a shared syringe or without changing the needle that another drug addict used before, his chances of becoming infected increase significantly. In this case, you can protect yourself only by using a new syringe and needle each time.
Homosexual contacts. Why are homosexuals at greater risk of infection? This is explained by the fact that during sexual intercourse the intestinal mucosa and anus are injured. If an infected person does not use a condom during anal intercourse, he can infect his partner.
Sexual contact with a carrier or patient with AIDS. This is the most common route of infection. It does not matter what kind of sex the couple practices. The only condition is an infected partner and contact of a healthy partner with his sperm or vaginal secretions.
People with a large number of sexual partners. The more sexual relationships a woman or man has, the greater the risk of infection. This group includes prostitutes and people who are not particularly picky about sexual relations.

How it's impossible to get AIDS

There are people who literally torment themselves with fears about possible infection. If several decades ago there were many myths about how one can become infected with AIDS, they have long been debunked. However, people who believe in them still remain. So, through the following ways the risk of contracting HIV is absolutely eliminated:

Through physical contact. We are talking about handshakes and hugs. You cannot become infected by simply shaking an infected person's hand or hugging him. The skin, if it is not damaged, is a barrier to the virus. If there are scratches or abrasions on the skin, then the risk of infection is minimal. Theoretically, if an infected and healthy person at the same time, for example, has open bleeding wounds on their hands, and people touch wounds, as a result of which the blood of a sick person enters the wound of a healthy person, then infection is possible. But the likelihood of such a situation is so small that it makes no sense to even consider it seriously.
Through household items. The virus can only survive in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and mother's milk. The virus is not transmitted through any other liquids. Even if a liquid that contains a virus gets on clothing or skin, this does not pose a threat of infection, since the virus will simply die. Clothes, combs and other personal items of a virus carrier or AIDS patient are also not dangerous.
In public places. Bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna, bath – none of the above can serve as a route for transmitting the virus. The virus dies quickly in water. In addition, human skin serves as an additional barrier.

However, HIV can be transmitted if you have sex with a sick person in a pool without using a condom.

How else can you not get infected?

There are a number of other situations that you shouldn’t be afraid of at all. However, some people still fear that these situations may become infection factors. HIV is not transmitted:

Through insects and animals. No bites from mosquitoes or other insects, etc. can cause infection, since HIV is a virus that lives and multiplies only in the human body.
Through a kiss. Transmission of the virus in this way is impossible. Theoretically, if both partners have open bleeding wounds in the mouth and at the same time they kiss long and deeply, then through such a kiss there is a risk of transmitting the virus. But the likelihood of such a situation is negligible.
Through manipulation in the dentist's office. In dental and nail salons, instruments are disinfected, so the possibility of infection is also excluded. Hair salons, spas, etc. are also safe.
Through a condom. If a couple uses a high-quality condom, this is sufficient protection against infection.
While taking an HIV test. The possibility of becoming infected when undergoing a laboratory test for the presence of infection is completely excluded. In anonymous rooms, instruments are carefully sterilized and disposable syringes are used.
Through injections in public places. Even at the dawn of the epidemic, when very little was known about it, there was a myth that many patients deliberately infect people in transport or other public places by injecting them with their infected blood. But doctors point out that for more than 20 years of the epidemic, not a single such case has been recorded. This opinion is largely due to a biased attitude towards AIDS patients.

HIV infection is a plague not only of the 20th, but also of the 21st century. Every year, the number of people infected with HIV, unfortunately, is steadily growing. Doctors around the world are sounding the alarm, calling on humanity to use common sense - the infection is spreading at cosmic speed, and now there are very few areas left without at least one sick person. However, despite the scale of the disaster, every attempt and compliance with precautions increases the chances of victory in this fight for the life and health of the population of the entire globe.

To know how to effectively fight the disease and prevent infection, it is important to first learn what HIV is. The ways of transmission of this infection, its differences from AIDS, symptoms and basic precautions are the topic of our conversation today. So...

What is HIV?

The abbreviation HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. Already based on the name, it becomes clear that pathogenic bacteria attack the immune system. The target is leukocytes, which help eliminate various harmful microorganisms and fungi from the body. Once the number of white blood cells decreases, a person becomes extremely susceptible to various types of infectious diseases.

People with HIV are doomed to death, since the immunodeficiency virus acts throughout life, and a person can die even from the most primitive ARVI. However, it is possible to survive with HIV infection for two to three years, or for ten years.

Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?

HIV should not be confused with AIDS. AIDS is the very last stage of the disease we are considering. The acronym stands for “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,” and the statement that you can become infected with this disease is completely false. It is HIV that causes AIDS, so it is quite possible to eliminate the signs of the syndrome, but alas, it is possible to cure the virus itself. In this regard, AIDS is considered fatal, since it occurs at the very end of the disease and invariably leads to a tragic end.

Source or carrier of HIV infection

HIV-infected people are called carriers of this virus, regardless of the stage of the disease, be it the incubation or terminal period. Infection from the source of the disease is possible at any stage of the disease, but the greatest likelihood is contact with the carrier at the end of incubation and at a later date. Only a person can be HIV-infected.

Now that we have figured out what HIV is and who can become a carrier of the virus, let’s consider possible ways of contracting this infection.

Routes of HIV transmission

HIV infection can be transmitted in only three ways:

From mother to newborn.
Sexually.
Through blood.

Theoretically, there is another way of infection - transplantation and transplantation of various organs and tissues from one person to another, as well as artificial insemination of women. However, due to careful testing and numerous checks of biological material, the possibility of infection with the virus is thus reduced to absolute zero.

Note that the paths mentioned above are listed from least common to most relevant. Let's consider each of them separately.

Transmission of HIV from mother to newborn

HIV infection can occur both during pregnancy and childbirth, and subsequently during breastfeeding. This method of infection is currently the least possible of the three above, since modern medicine offers various preventive measures based on the use of chemotherapy. They reduce the risk of having HIV-infected children by several percent. As for breastfeeding, only artificial formula is used.

HIV infection can be confirmed in a child only after he reaches 1.5 years of age. However, it is possible to obtain some information earlier, during the first month of the baby’s life. To do this, the child's blood is taken for analysis, but the result will be only 90% reliable.

In this regard, every pregnant woman should be required to undergo an HIV test in order to avoid aggravation of the situation and transmission of infection to the fetus through inaction or, conversely, undesirable effects on the body of certain medications, the use of which is unacceptable in the above conditions.

Sexual transmission of HIV

Unprotected sexual intercourse is a real scourge among homosexuals, drug addicts, prostitutes, as well as those who practice casual sex. The risk of infection among representatives of this contingent is off the charts. Moreover, HIV is no less common in women than in men. According to statistics, more than 85% of respondents were infected through sexual contact. If, before contact with the carrier, a person already had any inflammatory diseases, then the risk of infection increases several times.

Transmission of HIV through blood

Infection with HIV infection through blood is the most common way of acquiring the disease. You can “earn” a dangerous virus through:

Shared use of disposable syringes and needles;

Non-sterile surgical instruments;

Violation of hygienic rules for the operation of cosmetology and dental equipment;

Transfusion of blood and plasma without prior testing.

How not to get infected with HIV

To be fully educated on this issue, you should know how you can’t get HIV. We described the routes of transmission of the virus above, but now let us remember factors that should in no way affect the position of an infected person in society:

Bodily contact, including kissing, provided that there are no open scratches, wounds, or abrasions on the skin;

Food and drinking liquids;

Household items;

Public toilets, showers, swimming pools, seats and handrails in transport;

Cough, sneezing, sweat, tears, breathing;

Animals and insects, including blood-sucking ones.

Despite this, there are many myths that you can catch the virus at any time. Even if you sleep with an infected person in the same bed and eat from the same plate, you will never be able to become infected with HIV - transmission routes work exclusively in three cases already known to us.

Conditions for HIV infection

Despite the ease with which one can catch a known virus, during its transmission certain conditions must be met:

The infection must enter the endangered organism with special biological secretions that have an increased concentration of bacteria;

For the lesion to grow, penetration into the body itself is necessary. If the covers are not damaged, this is simply impossible.

The virus is present in all fluids that the human body is capable of producing. But at the same time, its concentration in some secrets is much greater than in others. For example, saliva, sweat, tears. If urine enters a foreign body, it cannot transmit HIV. The route of transmission is not important only if the surface of the skin or mucous membranes is not damaged. In other cases, whole liters of such liquids will be required to infect a healthy body.

But secretions such as sperm, pre-ejaculate, vaginal secretions, as well as breast milk and blood already pose a potential danger. After any of the mentioned liquids enters a fertile environment, the level of susceptibility of the affected organism comes into force. The virus will manifest itself in any case, but how early depends on genes, a person’s susceptibility to various diseases, the presence of aggravating conditions and other factors.

Symptoms of HIV

Now let's talk about how the virus can manifest itself externally. Despite the fact that in most cases it is impossible to determine HIV in men or women in the initial stages, there are still some symptoms associated with this disease.

Each organism is individual, so identifying characteristic signs is quite problematic. The latest HIV statistics indicate that the first symptoms can be detected both two weeks after infection and two months later. In some cases, symptoms can disappear for an indefinite period, only to subsequently reappear with renewed vigor.

If you experience symptoms such as:

Enlarged lymph nodes;

Regular occurrence of herpes;

Increased body temperature;

Stomatitis;

Dermatitis;

Dramatic weight loss;

Frequent respiratory diseases;

Feverish manifestations;

Indigestion;

Candidiasis and vaginal inflammation in women,

But you shouldn’t blame everything on various viral and colds. Carefully analyze your recent behavior and the presence of possible factors that could contribute to infection with the virus, and go to the doctor, and then donate blood for HIV.

It is worth remembering that the virus behaves very secretively in the initial stages. Even laboratory tests are unable to recognize a hidden infection. And only after a few years the disease can manifest itself so clearly that doctors no longer have any doubts about the person’s infection.

How long do people live with HIV?

This question is the most pressing for those who have received an HIV-positive result. If we compare the capabilities of modern medicine with what was available 10-15 years ago, it is easy to notice that infected citizens have begun to live somewhat longer. However, the main criterion for this was not only the improvement of medications and technologies, but also the recognition and acceptance by patients of some undeniable requirements regarding the new way of life, which they now have to comply with.

The results of studying the life expectancy of HIV-infected people cannot be subsumed under any possible logical pattern. Some carriers of the virus can live to a ripe old age, while others do not last even 5 years. If we average all the indicators, it turns out that HIV-infected people live about 10-12 years, but all the boundaries are so blurry and relative that there is no point in clearly stating the duration.

The only thing that can help prolong the patient’s life is strict adherence to the following rules:

Eliminate (or at least significantly limit) the amount of nicotine, alcohol and drugs consumed;

Exercise regularly, ideally go in for sports;

Take vitamin complexes and means to strengthen the immune system;

Switch to a healthy diet;

Visit your healthcare professional regularly.

Although it is too early to talk about a complete victory over the virus, the fact that scientists are currently able to control it speaks for itself.

Ways to protect yourself from HIV infection and precautions

Knowledge is the most important weapon against HIV. We already know the routes of transmission of infection, so now all that remains is to add to this awareness. Preventive measures to prevent infection with the virus are as follows:

Using condoms during sexual intercourse. Do not allow your partner’s sperm, blood, or vaginal fluid to enter your body;

Choose your sexual partners carefully. The more third-party and unprotected sexual relationships your boyfriend or girlfriend has, the higher the likelihood of getting an infection;

Be faithful to your partner yourself;

Avoid group sex;

Do not take other people's personal hygiene items (razors, toothbrushes);

Be extremely careful and attentive in unfamiliar public places;

Watch what your children play with. There are frequent cases of used syringes being found on sites and in sandboxes;

Use only sterilized surgical instruments and syringes no more than once. Demand the same from tattoo artists and cosmetologists whose services you have applied for;

If you are a pregnant woman suspected of having the immunodeficiency virus, do not be lazy to donate blood for HIV. If you receive a positive result, seek help from a specialist. He will prescribe the necessary medications to minimize the risk of giving birth to an unhealthy child.

The most important danger of HIV infection is that the virus does not manifest itself in any way for a very long time. During this period, the carrier of the disease can infect other people without suspecting anything about their condition. That is why it is important to know about the existence of a disease such as HIV, the ways of its spread and the precautions that must be taken in order to fully protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

Attention: This article is intended for persons over 18 years of age.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a serious, incurable infection that can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) if left untreated. There are many myths about how this infection is transmitted, so don't assume that what you've heard is definitely true. Learn information about the methods of HIV transmission before agreeing to drug injections or sex, even if it is not full-on.

Steps

How the virus is transmitted

Know what liquids contain HIV. An infected person cannot transmit the virus by sneezing and shaking hands, like a cold. For a healthy person to become infected with the virus, they must come into contact with any of the following:

blood;
seminal fluid and pre-ejaculate;
rectal fluids (fluids in the anus);
vaginal fluids;
breast milk.

Protect areas susceptible to virus infection. The surest way to avoid infection is to avoid any contact with the liquids listed above. However, be aware that the following areas of the body are more susceptible to infection when exposed to contaminated fluids:
- anus;
- vagina;
- penis;
- cuts and wounds, especially bleeding ones.
Get tested for HIV and ask your sexual partners to do the same. Many people infected with the virus do not know they are sick. The only way to be sure that the virus is not present is to take a blood test in a laboratory. Get tested every time you have a new sexual partner. A negative result means you do not have the virus, and a positive result means you do have the virus.

Ensure that interactions with other people are safe. The following activities do not pose a risk of contracting HIV:

Safer sex
1. Have sex with fewer partners and choose trusted people. The fewer the number of partners, the lower the risk of infection. The risk will be minimal in a “closed” relationship, where people only have sex with each other. But even in this case, you should get tested and practice safe sex. There is always a risk that one of the partners will not be faithful.
  
  Choose less dangerous types of sex. The following activities carry minimal risk of infection, even if one partner has HIV:
  - Erotic massage.
  - Masturbation, stimulation of the penis by hand without exchange of fluids.
  - Using sex toys without sharing them. For added safety, put a condom on the toy before each use and wash thoroughly after.
  - Contact of a finger with the vagina or finger with the anus. There is a risk of infection if there is a cut or scratch on the finger. Reduce this risk by using latex gloves and a water-based lubricant.
2. Practice safe oral sex. The risk of infection is high if you put the penis of an HIV-positive person in your mouth. In rare cases, you can become infected with HIV from someone who touches their mouth to your penis or vagina or does cunnilingus. To reduce this risk and avoid contracting other infections:
  
  Protect yourself during vaginal sex. When penis-vagina contact occurs, the risk of infection for both partners is very high, but the woman is at greater risk. To reduce the risk, use regular or latex female condom, but not both. Use a water-based lubricant to prevent the condom from breaking.
  
  Practice anal sex with great care. Rectal tissue is easily torn and injured during sexual intercourse. For this reason, the risk of infection is high for the person inserting the penis, and very high for the person receiving the penis. Consider other sexual options that were described above. If you decide to have anal sex, use condoms and plenty of water-based lubricant.
  
  Store and use the condom correctly. Read articles about how to use a male and female condom. Be sure to squeeze the tip of the male condom before putting it on. Try to squeeze the base as quickly as possible when you remove it. Before sexual intercourse, make sure that the condom is safe to use:
  - Do not use oil-based lubricants with latex or polyisoprene condoms, as the oil destroys these materials;
  - do not use an expired condom;
  - Keep the condom at room temperature, not in your wallet or anywhere else where it can be easily damaged;
  - use a condom that fits tightly but does not pinch;
  - Do not stretch the condom to make sure there are no breaks.
3. Avoid dangerous practices. No matter what kind of sex you engage in, know that some practices come with greater risks. Be aware of the following risk factors:
  - Rough sex makes the condom more likely to break.
  - Avoid spermicides that contain nonoxynol-9 (N-9). This substance may cause irritation in the vagina and increase the risk of condom rupture.
  - Don't douche your vagina or anus before sex. This can cause irritation and lead to the washout of bacteria that are needed to fight infections. If you need to clean the area, use your finger to gently wash it with soap and water.
4. Don't take alcohol or drugs before sex. Substances that alter perceptions and affect emotional state increase the risk of making a bad decision (for example, having unprotected sex). Only have sex when sober, or think ahead about how you plan to ensure your safety.
How to avoid contracting HIV through non-sexual contact
1. Trust tattoos and piercings only to trusted artists. Do not have tattoos or piercings done by non-professionals and pay attention to the cleanliness of the equipment and the salon. All needles must be new. The technician will have to open the package with the needle in front of you before starting the procedure. Using dirty tools can lead to HIV infection.
  
  If you have no other choice, treat needles with chlorine. It is impossible to thoroughly disinfect needles on your own. There will always be a risk that the needle will become contaminated. Sterilize the needle if you plan to inject anyway and if you do not expect it to be completely safe.
  - Fill the syringe with clean tap water or bottled water. Shake or tap the syringe. Wait 30 seconds and then drain all the water.
  - Repeat several times, and then several more times, until no traces of blood remain in the syringe.
  - Fill the syringe with maximum concentration of chlorine bleach. Shake or tap the syringe and wait 30 seconds. Drain the water.
  - Rinse the syringe with water.
2. Stop using drugs causing addiction. Because of addiction, people who use drugs are more likely to take risks. The only way to avoid contracting HIV through syringes and needles is to stop injecting drugs. Contact an organization that helps addicts.
  
  Handle contaminated items with care. If you are not a drug user but are a healthcare professional, be very careful with used syringes. In the hospital, treat all fluids as contaminated. Treat all sharp or damaged equipment as items that may be contaminated with a virus. Wear gloves, a mask and long sleeves. Handle contaminated items with tongs or other utensils and dispose of them in a clear container or hazardous waste bin. Disinfect your skin, hands, and surfaces that have come into contact with objects or contaminated blood.
Drugs and tests
1. Use HIV post-exposure prophylaxis immediately after sexual intercourse. If you suspect that you may have become infected with HIV, immediately contact an AIDS center or any general practitioner. If you start taking the preventative drug right away (within 72 hours), you are more likely to not get infected. You will need to take the drug (usually 2-3 drugs) every day for 28 days or as directed by your doctor.
  - Since this method of prevention is not 100% effective, take an HIV test after finishing treatment and then again three months later. Until tests show you are healthy, tell your partners that you may have HIV.
  - If you regularly come into contact with possible HIV carriers, it is better to take pre-exposure prophylaxis daily.
2. Know what therapy as prevention is. HIV-positive people who receive antiretroviral therapy lead normal lives. Some see treatment as an important part of limiting the spread of the virus and infecting their partners. Scientists and doctors disagree about how effective this approach is. Some studies have found that people who view therapy as prevention are more likely to refuse other methods of protection, including condoms. While therapy can certainly reduce the risk of spreading the infection, this is not always the case. Every person exposed to the virus should get tested regularly and monitor their health.
  
  Know what an undetectable viral load is. An HIV-positive person should have regular tests to determine their viral load, or the concentration of the virus in their body fluids. With continuous therapy in HIV-positive people, the virus may no longer be detected. It is important to understand that in this case the person still has the virus, and it can be transmitted to a sexual partner. Although some studies indicate that therapy may significantly reduce the risk of infection, this requires further study.