Blood must be present for the transmission of a bloodborne pathogen to occur.
- **False:** Blood does not have to be the only medium for the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. While these pathogens are commonly spread through blood-to-blood contact (like sharing needles), they can also be transmitted through other bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. So, blood is not the exclusive route for the spread of bloodborne pathogens.
- For example, HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk, not just through blood alone. Therefore, it is essential to practice safe behaviors to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, not limited to avoiding blood contact only.
