Biogenix Rx If you already have another sexually transmitted disease or STD, the risk of getting HIV is much higher. By contaminated blood: In some very unfortunate cases, HIV can be transmitted through transfusions of contaminated blood. This happens when someone in a hospital needs blood and the blood they put on turns out to be contaminated with HIV. Due to the number of cases that occurred and in order to avoid more, since 1985 hospitals and blood banks in the United States have tested HIV prior to blood donors. This has greatly reduced the transmission of HIV through transfusions. For contaminated needles: People who use drugs and inject themselves share syringes and needles. In these cases, it may be that the virus is spread from person to person. There is also the possibility that health professionals accidentally become infected with patients who are HIV positive or vice versa, although this risk has been considerably reduced by the precautions taken in this regard. From mother to child: During pregnancy, childbirth or through breastfeeding, a mother who is HIV positive can infect her child. It is estimated that approximately children are infected each year with the virus. In the United States, most pregnant women undergo an test and there are anti-retroviral medications that can help reduce the risk of infection. However, in other less developed nations where HIV treatment does not exist, many babies continue to be infected by their mothers. In cases where there are no medications available, it is recommended that the delivery be by caesarean section rather than vaginal delivery.