Understanding HIV Transmission: How the Virus Spreads

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), is transmitted when body fluids from an HIV-infected individual enter the body tissues of another person.

Body Fluids

• Body fluids that might contain the HIV virus include blood, semen (including pre-ejaculate), breast milk and vaginal fluid. Any body fluid that contains blood has the potential to spread HIV.

Acts of Transmission

• Unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex with an infected person can result in HIV transmission. Shared drug needles transmit the virus, as can contaminated, unsterilized tattoo or piercing instruments. HIV-infected mothers can pass the virus to their babies through breast milk.

Health Care Worker Concerns

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, several body fluids that health care workers come into contact with might carry the HIV virus: fluid surrounding the brain, spinal cord and joints, and the protective fluid surrounding a fetus. Accidental needle sticks can also transmit the virus.

Blood Transfusions

• Until the mid-1980s, HIV was transmitted through blood transfusions with infected blood. The United States began testing donated blood for HIV in 1985.

Simple Precautions

• While many body fluids contain the HIV virus, there are many ways to prevent transmission. Use condoms. Never share a needle. Don't breastfeed your infant if you are HIV-positive. Be sure to wear gloves while working in a health care facility.