Understanding HIV Transmission: How is AIDS Prevented?

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or rectal fluids. This can happen through unprotected sex, sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, or receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected person. HIV can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.