How HIV Spreads

Understanding how HIV is transmitted is the first step to protecting yourself and others. HIV can only be transmitted through specific body fluids from a person who has HIV.

Key Points

HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids from a person who has HIV.
The most common routes of transmission are anal or vaginal sex and sharing needles.
HIV is NOT spread through casual contact (hugging, kissing, sharing food, etc.).
A person with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex (U=U).
PrEP, condoms, and other prevention methods can significantly reduce transmission risk.

Body Fluids That Can Transmit HIV

Only certain body fluids from a person who has HIV can transmit the virus. These fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane, damaged tissue, or be directly injected into the bloodstream.

Fluids That CAN Transmit HIV

Blood (including menstrual blood)
Semen and pre-seminal fluid
Rectal fluids
Vaginal fluids
Breast milk

Fluids That CANNOT Transmit HIV

Saliva, tears, or sweat
Urine or feces
Vomit
Nasal secretions

Routes of HIV Transmission

Sexual Contact

Most Common

HIV is most commonly transmitted through anal or vaginal sex without a condom or HIV prevention medicine. Anal sex carries a higher risk than vaginal sex. Oral sex carries a much lower risk.

Prevention: Use condoms, take PrEP, ensure your partner has an undetectable viral load

Sharing Needles or Drug Equipment

High Risk

Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment with a person who has HIV can transmit the virus. Blood from an infected person can remain in needles and syringes after use.

Prevention: Never share needles, use syringe services programs, consider PrEP

Mother to Child (Perinatal)

Preventable

HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. With proper medical care and HIV treatment, the risk of transmission can be reduced to less than 1%.

Prevention: HIV testing during pregnancy, ART for pregnant women with HIV, safe infant feeding

Blood Transfusions / Organ Transplants

Very Rare

In the United States, blood transfusions and organ transplants are screened for HIV, making transmission through these routes extremely rare. The risk is much higher in countries without robust screening programs.

Prevention: Blood and organ screening programs

HIV Is NOT Spread Through...

HIV is not spread through casual contact. You cannot get HIV from:

Hugging, shaking hands, or touching

Sharing food, drinks, or utensils

Coughing or sneezing

Saliva, tears, or sweat

Toilet seats or doorknobs

Mosquitoes or other insects

Sharing clothing or towels

Swimming pools or hot tubs

Donating blood

Protect Yourself and Others

Learn about effective HIV prevention strategies, including PrEP, condoms, and harm reduction.

HIV Prevention Get Tested