Thursday, December 1, 2011

HIV is transmitted in the following ways

HIV is transmitted in the following ways:
  • Sexual contact with an infected partner, including vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse (HIV can enter the body through the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth.)
  • Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood (including needles used for shooting drugs, piercing, or tattooing)
  • From infected women to the fetus during pregnancy or birth (Approximately 25–33% of women who are untreated pass the infection to their babies. Antiretroviral therapy reduces this risk.)
  • Through breast milk of infected mothers
  • Contact between a mucous membrane (e.g., lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, mouth) and infected blood

Based on available evidence, HIV is not transmitted through the following:

  • Saliva
  • Sweat, tears, urine or feces
  • Biting insects, such as mosquitoes
  • Casual contact, such as:
    • sitting next to someone;
    • touching, hugging, or shaking hands;
    • eating in the same restaurant or cafeteria;
    • swimming in the same pool or using the same shower or tub; or
    • using the same toilet seat
  • Blood transfusions (Blood donors are now carefully screened and blood is tested before being used.)

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