How do you get HIV?
HIV is spread by:
- Sex: The HIV virus will be in the infected bodily fluids (like semen or vaginal fluids) of a person who is HIV positive. During sex, both men and women produce fluids. If you have unprotected sex with a person with HIV, their bodily fluids would contain enough HIV to pass the virus to you.
A person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) may have a discharge, or sores on his or her private parts. This makes it easier for HIV to get into the body during sex. Make sure you and your partner both get treatment as soon as possible if you have an STI.
- Blood: The blood of a person who is HIV positive has a very high level of HIV. However, this is not a very common way for HIV to be passed from person to person.
- Pregnancy and breast feedings: Sometimes, HIV can pass into the baby if a pregnant woman is HIV positive. The risk of transmission is greater if the mother has AIDS or if the mother becomes HIV positive during pregnancy. A HIV positive mother can also pass the virus to her baby through breast milk.
HIV is NOT spread by:
- Kissing
- Sneezing, coughing
- Hugging, touching
- Shaking hands
- Mosquitoes
- Plates, cups, spoons, food
- Toilets, baths, showers
- Swimming pools