Transmissibility of HIV Infection: What We Know in 1993

Abstract:
[ARCHIVED] When the HIV epidemic began just over a decade ago, it was a mystery where the virus had come from and how it was transmitted. Because HIV infection is a fatal illness, transmissibility remains an area of serious concern. Fortunately, it is not an easy disease to contract, and there are only certain, clearly identifiable ways in which it is transmitted. HIV infection is difficult to contract because of two factors. First, in only a limited number of ways can the virus be passed from one person to another: a) injection of infected blood directly into the bloodstream or through the integument, or b) passage of the virus by blood or other infected secretions through mucous membranes. Second, even with the defined mechanisms of transmission, the disease is not passed every time these events occur.

Author(s): McINTOSH, Kenneth

Publication: Journal of School Health


Date Published: 1/1/1994

Pages: 2

Location Code: 14089