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How is HIV transmitted through bodily fluids?
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AIDS
Scanning electron micrograph of HIV-1 virions (green) budding from a cultured lymphocyte. Multiple round bumps on the cell surface represent sites of virion assembly and budding.
HIV is transmitted through the direct transfer of specific bodily fluids from an infected person to an uninfected person. These fluids include blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk.123
Because the virus is fragile and cannot survive long outside the body, transmission requires direct contact with these fluids. Common routes of transmission include:23
- Sexual contact: The primary means of transmission worldwide.2
- Needle sharing: Frequently occurs among individuals who share needles or syringes for intravenous drug use.23
- Parent-to-child: Transmission can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.12
- Medical procedures: While rare today due to rigorous screening, transmission can occur through contaminated blood products or accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings.2
It is important to note that HIV is not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, or through coughing, sneezing, food, water, or insect bites. Additionally, the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases can increase the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact.123