How does a HIV carrier obtain the virus?

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, can be transmitted through various means. Here's how a person can become an HIV carrier:

Unprotected Sex: HIV primarily spreads through unprotected sexual intercourse. When someone infected with HIV engages in anal, vaginal, or oral sex without using condoms or taking preventive measures, the virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood.

Sharing Needles: Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia with an HIV-positive individual can lead to the transmission of the virus. This is common among people who inject drugs.

Blood Transfusion: Before widespread screening of blood for HIV, there were cases where people who received blood transfusions became infected if the donated blood contained the virus. However, with modern testing procedures, this risk has been significantly reduced.

Perinatal Transmission: In some cases, an HIV-positive mother can transmit the virus to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding. This can occur if the necessary medical interventions and treatment are not provided during prenatal care.

Rare Cases: In very rare instances, HIV transmission has occurred through accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings or through organ transplants from infected donors. However, proper precautions and guidelines in medical settings help minimize these risks.

It's important to note that casual contact, such as shaking hands, sharing utensils, or being in close proximity to an HIV-positive person, does not transmit the virus. HIV is only spread through specific routes of transmission as mentioned above.