Which of the following are the risk factors in the transmission of the HIV infection ? 1. Smoking and drinking alcohol 2. Observing bad hygiene 3. Blood transfusion 4. Unprotected sex Select the correct answer using the code given below :

HIV is primarily transmitted through the direct transfer of body fluids, including blood, semen, and vaginal secretions [c1]. The most common routes of transmission are unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner and exposure to contaminated blood or blood products [c2, t1, t8]. While modern screening protocols have significantly reduced the risk from blood transfusions, it remains a biological transmission route [t2, t8]. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not direct modes of HIV transmission; however, they are considered behavioral factors that may increase the likelihood of engaging in high-risk activities or exacerbate health complications [t3, t6]. Similarly, poor personal hygiene is not a transmission risk factor, as HIV cannot be spread through casual contact, environmental exposure, or general lack of cleanliness [t2]. Therefore, only blood transfusion and unprotected sex are recognized biological transmission risks.

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > AIDs/HIVs > p. 81
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > 7.3.3 (d) Reproductive Health > p. 125
3. [3] https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/understanding-hiv-transmission
4. [4] https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/causes/index.html