How HIV is Transmitted

Understanding how HIV is transmitted is crucial for prevention. This page provides detailed information on the different ways HIV can be spread.

Ways HIV Can Be Transmitted

HIV is transmitted through certain bodily fluids from a person who has HIV. These fluids are:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal fluids
• Breast milk

HIV can enter the body through:

• Breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (e.g., cuts, sores)
• Direct injection into the bloodstream (e.g., sharing needles)

Sexual Transmission

HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact with someone who has HIV. The risk of transmission varies depending on the type of sexual activity:

• Anal sex: Receptive anal sex carries the highest risk of HIV transmission. This is because the lining of the rectum is thin and can tear easily, allowing HIV to enter the bloodstream.
• Vaginal sex: HIV can be transmitted through vaginal sex, though the risk is lower than with anal sex.
• Oral sex: The risk of HIV transmission through oral sex is very low, but it is still possible.

Factors that increase the risk of sexual transmission:

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having unprotected sex (without condoms)
• Having a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Blood-to-Blood Contact

HIV can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood of someone who has HIV. This can occur through:

• Sharing needles: Sharing needles or other drug injection equipment is a very high-risk activity for HIV transmission.
• Needle stick injuries: Healthcare workers can be at risk of HIV transmission if they accidentally prick themselves with a needle contaminated with HIV-infected blood.
• Blood transfusions: In rare cases, HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions. However, blood banks now rigorously screen all donated blood for HIV, making this risk extremely low.

Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT)

HIV can be transmitted from a mother with HIV to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This is known as vertical transmission or mother-to-child transmission (MTCT).

Preventing MTCT:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART): Taking ART during pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of MTCT.
• Cesarean delivery: In some cases, a cesarean delivery may be recommended to reduce the risk of transmission during childbirth.
• Avoiding breastfeeding: In countries where safe alternatives are available, mothers with HIV are advised not to breastfeed.

Ways HIV is NOT Transmitted

It's important to emphasize that HIV is NOT transmitted through:

• Casual contact (hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.)
• Air or water
• Insects
• Saliva, tears, or sweat

Reducing the Risk of HIV Transmission

• Practice safe sex: Use condoms consistently and correctly every time you have sex.
• Get tested for HIV: Know your HIV status and encourage your partners to get tested as well.
• Consider PrEP: If you are at high risk of HIV, talk to your doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• Don't share needles: Never share needles or other drug injection equipment.
• If you are pregnant and have HIV: Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent mother-to-child transmission.