The HIV virus can be transmitted through which of the following means? Select all that apply.

Answer

The correct options are: 1. Blood contact with contaminated blood. 2. Mucous membrane (eyes for example) contact with contaminated blood or body fluids. Detailed explanation: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a bloodborne pathogen that is primarily transmitted through direct contact with certain body fluids from an infected person, such as blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Therefore, direct contact with contaminated blood and contact between mucous membranes and infected blood or body fluids are valid transmission routes. On the other hand, casual physical contact such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing utensils does not transmit HIV because the virus cannot be spread through intact skin, sweat, tears, or saliva.