<h4>Understanding HIV Transmission: Core Mechanisms</h4><p>The <strong>Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)</strong> is a global health concern, primarily transmitted through specific mechanisms involving bodily fluids. Understanding these pathways is crucial for both prevention and public health.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>HIV transmission</strong> fundamentally occurs when certain <strong>infected bodily fluids</strong> from a person with HIV enter the bloodstream or mucous membranes of another person.</p></div><p>This process requires a direct exchange of these fluids, not casual contact. The virus cannot survive for long outside the human body, making indirect transmission highly unlikely.</p><h4>Key Bodily Fluids Involved in Transmission</h4><p>Transmission of <strong>HIV</strong> is specifically linked to the exchange of a limited set of bodily fluids. These fluids contain sufficient viral load to cause infection if they enter another person's body.</p><ul><li><strong>Blood:</strong> Direct contact with infected blood, such as through shared needles or contaminated blood transfusions.</li><li><strong>Semen (pre-cum, cum):</strong> Transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse.</li><li><strong>Vaginal Fluids:</strong> Transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse.</li><li><strong>Breast Milk:</strong> Can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during breastfeeding.</li></ul><p>It is important to note that fluids like saliva, tears, sweat, and urine do <strong>not</strong> transmit HIV, as the viral concentration in these fluids is too low.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> Questions on social issues often test knowledge of public health challenges. Understanding <strong>HIV transmission modes</strong> is fundamental for discussing prevention strategies, government policies, and addressing social stigma, relevant for <strong>GS Paper I (Social Issues)</strong> and <strong>GS Paper II (Health)</strong>.</p></div>