AEMCA Practice Exam

Can AIDS be transmitted from one person to another?

1. Yes, through blood transfusions

2. Yes, through sharing needles

3. No, it develops due to HIV

4. Yes, through sexual contact

The correct answer is: No, it develops due to HIV

The notion that AIDS cannot be transmitted from one person to another is rooted in a misunderstanding of the relationship between HIV and AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection and occurs when the immune system becomes severely compromised due to the HIV virus. HIV, which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus responsible for the infection that can lead to AIDS. It can indeed be transmitted between individuals through various means. When discussing transmission, it is crucial to focus on the fact that it is the HIV virus that is spread, which can eventually result in the development of AIDS if left untreated. The other options highlight the actual modes of transmission of HIV, including blood transfusions, sharing needles, and sexual contact. Each of these is a recognized route through which HIV can be transmitted, leading to potential progression to AIDS if the infection is not managed. Understanding this distinction between HIV and AIDS is essential for comprehension of how the disease is transmitted and the importance of preventative measures against HIV infection. Thus, the correct response reflects the reality that AIDS itself is not directly transmitted; rather, it is the underlying HIV that is transmitted, which can lead to the development of AIDS.