Intravenous drug abusers may pick up the AIDS virus if they share needles with infected people. Since November 1985, Canada's Red Cross has been screening all blood donations for AIDS virus antibodies. Blood that tests positive is discarded. To kill the AIDS virus, they have also been heat-treating factor VIII, a blood product that promotes blood clotting. The AIDS virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child.
Preliminary studies indicate infection takes place across the placenta.
So a Cesarean section delivery does not prevent the transmission of the AIDS virus from an infected mother to her infant. Some reports indicate that the AIDS virus can be transmitted through heart, pancreas, kidney, liver and bone transplants, and by artificial insemination. No recipients have developed AIDS but all organs are now screened for the AIDS virus antibodies. The transmission of the AIDS virus occurs only when the virus enters the bloodstream. So casual contact with an AIDS victim does not pose a risk.