Question

Select the odd one out w.r.t the transmission of AIDS

• A. Blood transfusion
• B. Unprotected sex
• C. Sharing food
• D. Infected mother to foetus

Answer 1

The correct option is C Sharing food

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the causative agent of AIDS.

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, the virus can be transmitted.
• HIV positive mother can transfer the virus to the foetus
  • during pregnancy, across the placental barrier
  • through breastfeeding

HIV cannot spread through touch where there is no exchange of body fluids involved. Thus, shaking hands, hugging, sitting close to or sharing food with an HIV positive person does not spread the virus from the infected person to the non-infected person.