HIV can spread through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk. Learn how fluid exchange, barriers and viral load affect transmission risk in IB Biology SL C3.2.11.
Discuss the transmission and social implications of AIDS.
HIV transmission: [5 max]
a. fluids from an infected person transmit HIV (which may progress to AIDS);
b. blood transfusions / blood products (such as factors for blood clotting);
c. sharing needles (in drug users);
d. sexual intercourse/activity transmits the virus;
e. (transmission) by sexual activity can be managed through use of condoms / abstinence prevents transmission by sexual intercourse;
f. (transmission) from mother to child across the placenta / during childbirth (by small cuts) / breastfeeding;
g. long incubation period (with no awareness of infection) leads to higher transmission;
h. other valid transmission with discussion;
social implications: [5 max]
i. death of parents leaving orphans;
j. families become poor due to expenses in treatment;
k. loss of employment;
l. patients suffer discrimination;
m. families and friends suffer grief;
n. (affordable) international travel has allowed HIV transmission/incidence of AIDS around the world;
o. unequal occurrence of HIV/AIDS / some countries or continents are more affected / lack of education;
p. inequality of treatment/medical/social/government/faith-based services;
q. affluent countries/corporation/individuals should help others;
r. (some) cultures restrict (types of) sexual activity;
s. other valid social implication / discussion of solutions;