Question

From the list given below, which of the following individuals are more susceptible to getting infected with HIV:
I.individuals who have multiple sexual partners.
II.individuals who require repeated blood transfusions.
III.a person living next door to an infected person.
IV.a child born to an HIV infected mother.

• A. I and II
• B. I, II and IV
• C. III and IV
• D. I, II and III

Answer 1

The correct option is B I, II and IV

HIV(human immunodeficiency virus) is the causative agent of AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It attacks and progressively weakens the immune system of the patient due to which he/she becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and can eventually die.

HIV is a contagious disease and spreads through the following ways -

Casual or unprotected sex : Sexual relationships with multiple partners or unknown partners without using the proper protection of a condom can easily transmit the virus.

Blood transfusion : People with regular blood transfusion are at a great risk. Due to lack of monitoring and precautions at the blood donation camps and blood banks can transmit the virus.

Unsterilised needles : Use of unsterilised equipment or syringe/needles can transmit the virus It is mandatory to use disposable needles to avoid sharing common ones in hospitals and clinics. But drug addicts are at very high risk as they use common needles/syringes for the intake of chemicals.

HIV positive mother can transfer the virus to the child
during pregnancy, across the placental barrier,
during childbirth, in case the mother’s body fluids come in contact with the child
through breastfeeding.
Thus the child is at a high risk of being infected.

HIV does not transmit through air, water or contact and hence a person living next door to an infected person would have no risks of transmission unless there is an event where their body fluids get exchanged.