HIV Transmission: Understanding Risks & How HIV Spreads

The transmission routes of HIV are well established and do not include casual contact such as talking or spitting. HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. For HIV transmission to occur, there must be direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.

Although bleeding gums can increase the risk of HIV transmission if someone with HIV spits directly into your mouth, the risk is still extremely low. However, it is still important to take precautions to avoid contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids. If your gums are bleeding, it is recommended to avoid close contact with others and seek medical attention as soon as possible.