How HIV Is NOT Transmitted: Casual Contact, Air, Insects, Intact Skin, and Effective Prevention

Myths About HIV Transmission

1. Casual Contact: Not spread by shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sharing utensils. Not in saliva, sweat, tears.
2. Air or Water: Not airborne; virus doesn't survive long outside body.
3. Insect Bites: Mosquitoes or other insects do not transmit HIV.
4. Intact Skin: HIV cannot penetrate unbroken skin; needs a break (cut, wound).
5. Properly Used Condoms: Latex/polyurethane condoms effectively prevent transmission during vaginal, anal, oral sex.
6. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Antiretroviral drugs taken before potential exposure prevent infection.
7. Sterilized Medical Equipment: Proper sterilization prevents blood-borne transmission.
8. Undetectable Viral Load: Effective ART achieves undetectable viral load, making sexual transmission impossible (U=U).