Q1. Explain the main ways in which HIV infection affects households. OR Discuss the process of HIV transmission through blood and blood products.
- HIV transmits via direct blood-to-blood contact.
- Unscreened blood transfusions were a historical transmission risk.
- Blood products caused transmission before viral inactivation techniques.
- Sharing contaminated needles/syringes among IDUs is a major route.
Answer: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) transmission through blood and blood products constitutes a significant pathway for infection, primarily when infected blood or bodily fluids containing the virus directly enter the bloodstream of another person. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for prevention and control strategies. Historically, blood transfusions were a major route of HIV transmission, particularly before effective screening methods were developed. Individuals receiving blood or bl...