How Is HIV Infection Not Spread?

Research indicates that HIV is NOT transmitted by casual contact such as:

• Touching or hugging
• Sharing household items such as utensils, towels, and bedding
• Contact with sweat or tears
• Sharing facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, or toilets with HIV-infected people
• Coughs or sneezes

In short, studies indicate that HIV transmission requires intimate contact with infected blood or body fluids (vaginal secretions, semen, pre-ejaculation fluid, and breast milk). Activities that don't involve the possibility of such contact are regarded as posing no risk of infection.