Which of the following is considered one of the two major bloodborne diseases?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is recognized as one of the two major bloodborne diseases due to its transmission primarily through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. HIV attacks the immune system, leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which significantly increases vulnerability to infections and diseases. The classification of HIV as a bloodborne pathogen highlights the importance of precautions in healthcare settings to prevent transmission through exposure to infected blood and other potentially infectious materials.

In contrast, conditions such as influenza, tuberculosis, and strep throat are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact, not through blood. This distinction underscores why HIV is specifically categorized among bloodborne diseases, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies, including safe handling of sharps and following standard precautions in caring for individuals potentially infected with HIV.