HIV & HBV Transmission: Understanding How These Viruses Spread

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

- Sexual contact with an infected person. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has HIV.

- Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia with an infected person.

- From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding if the mother is positive and not receiving effective treatment.

HBV (Hepatitis B Virus)

- Contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. This can happen through blood transfusions, sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, sexual contact with an infected person, exposure to open wounds or sores, and accidental needle sticks or sharps injuries among healthcare workers.

- Perinatal transmission from mother to child. Infected mothers can pass HBV to their babies during pregnancy and childbirth if they are not properly treated.