Understanding AIDS: Causes, Transmission & Risk Factors

The main cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV attacks and weakens the body's immune system, making people vulnerable to various infections, cancers, and other health conditions.

HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing contaminated needles or other drug paraphernalia, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Risk factors for acquiring HIV include:

1. Engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners

2. Having sex with a person living with HIV

3. Sharing needles or drug paraphernalia with an infected person

4. Receiving contaminated blood or blood products

5. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

It is important to practice safe sex, such as using condoms, and avoiding sharing needles to prevent the spread of HIV. Regular HIV testing is recommended for individuals at risk of infection.