Which of the following is NOT a means of transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Shaking hand with infected person
Option (1) Sharing of injection needles — A means of transmission. NCERT says infections like hepatitis-B and HIV can also spread by sharing injection needles with infected persons, because the needle carries infected blood.
Option (2) Transfusion of blood — A means of transmission. Transfusion of blood from an infected person can pass on hepatitis-B and HIV; NCERT names it as a route.
Option (3) Sharing of surgical instruments — A means of transmission. Sharing surgical instruments with infected persons is another route NCERT names for these infections, since the instruments may carry infected blood.
Option (4) Shaking hand with infected person — Not a means. STIs pass through sexual contact and, for some such as hepatitis-B and HIV, through infected blood, needles, instruments or from mother to foetus. A handshake passes no blood or body fluid, so it does not spread STIs.
NCERT Extract:
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – “… Some of these infections like hepatitis–B and HIV can also be transmitted by sharing of injection needles, surgical instruments, etc., with infected persons, transfusion of blood, or from an infected mother to the foetus too. Except for hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV infections, other diseases are completely curable if detected early and treated properly.”