HIV is a blood borne virus - in other words, it replicates in your blood cells, but is also found in other body fluids.
HIV can be transmitted in a number of ways and the risk of transmission depends on a number of factors. The most important factors that will influence the risk of HIV transmission are the type of body fluids containing the virus and the entry route of the infection. Blood contains the highest concentration of HIV. Similarly, the risk of infection is dependent on the route through which the virus enters the body. For example, if the virus enters directly into the bloodstream i.e. a vein, the risk is much higher than if the virus enters the body via the digestive tract e.g. in breastfed babies.
The most widely recognised ways of acquiring HIV are: • Having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom with someone who is HIV-positive; • Sharing needles, syringes or other drug injecting equipment with someone who is infected with HIV; • An HIV-positive mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery or while breastfeeding; • Blood transfusions, blood products or organ transplants in countries where screening is not mandatory or common practice; • Tattooing and/or piercing with improperly sterilised equipment; • Sharing drug snorting equipment, e.g. cocaine straws; • A needle stick injury involving blood tainted with HIV.
You cannot get HIV through: • Kissing, touching, hugging or shaking hands; • Sharing crockery and cutlery; • Coughing or sneezing; • Contact with toilet seats; • Insect or animal bites; • Swimming pools; • Eating food prepared by someone with HIV.
