Consider the following statements regarding the transmission of HIV: 1. It can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. 2. It is transmitted by casual contact such as shaking hands. 3. It can be transmitted from mother to infant through milk. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that targets the immune system. Its transmission is strictly limited to the exchange of specific body fluids, and understanding these modes is essential for public health awareness. - Statement 1 is Correct: HIV is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. The virus is present in high concentrations in sexual fluids, including semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids. Unprotected sexual intercourse allows these fluids to enter the bloodstream or mucous membranes of an uninfected person. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet. The virus cannot survive for long periods outside the human body and is not transmitted through sweat, tears, or saliva (unless contaminated with blood). - Statement 3 is Correct: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her infant. This is known as vertical transmission and can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, as the virus is present in breast milk. Key Takeaway: HIV transmission occurs exclusively through the exchange of specific body fluids-blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk-and never through air, water, vectors (like mosquitoes), or casual social interaction.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 4: Reaching the age of adolescence

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Consider the following statements regarding the transmission of HIV:

It can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person.
It is transmitted by casual contact such as shaking hands.
It can be transmitted from mother to infant through milk.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that targets the immune system. Its transmission is strictly limited to the exchange of specific body fluids, and understanding these modes is essential for public health awareness.

Statement 1 is Correct: HIV is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. The virus is present in high concentrations in sexual fluids, including semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids. Unprotected sexual intercourse allows these fluids to enter the bloodstream or mucous membranes of an uninfected person.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet. The virus cannot survive for long periods outside the human body and is not transmitted through sweat, tears, or saliva (unless contaminated with blood).
Statement 3 is Correct: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her infant. This is known as vertical transmission and can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, as the virus is present in breast milk.

Key Takeaway: HIV transmission occurs exclusively through the exchange of specific body fluids-blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk-and never through air, water, vectors (like mosquitoes), or casual social interaction.

Your note

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With reference to the onset of menstruation, consider the following statements: 1. The first menstrual flow which begins at puberty is termed menarche. 2. Menstruation occurs once in about 10 to 15 days. 3. At 45 to 50 years of age, the menstrual cycle stops, which is termed menopause. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: HIV is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. The virus is present in high concentrations in sexual fluids, including semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids. Unprotected sexual intercourse allows these fluids to enter the bloodstream or mucous membranes of an uninfected person.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet. The virus cannot survive for long periods outside the human body and is not transmitted through sweat, tears, or saliva (unless contaminated with blood).
Statement 3 is Correct: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her infant. This is known as vertical transmission and can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, as the virus is present in breast milk.