How Does It Spread?
Mother to baby transmission during pregnancy or childbirth is possible but can be prevented by proper medical care. There have been cases of HIV infection caused by blood transfusions or transplants. This no longer happens in the United States since all blood supplies are now routinely checked for HIV, but infection through transfusions/transplants may still be a danger in countries where blood supplies are less rigorously tested.
An infected
person can spread HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, through the exchange
of bodily fluids:
*semen;
*vaginal fluid;
*blood;
*other bodily fluids containing blood (for example,menses, bloody saliva);
*breast milk.
You will not get HIV from toilet seats, mosquitoes, sneezes, tears,
food, or shaking hands with or hugging an infected person.
The two main causes of HIV infection are:
(1) unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, unsafe
sex, with an HIV-positive person;
(2) sharing needles or syringes with an HIV-positive person.
People
who are particularly at risk for HIV infection, at-risk groups include:
*anyone, male or female, who engages in unsafe sex, especially with
multiple partners;
*men who have unsafe sex with other men;
*sex workers, male or female;
*injection drug users.
Regardless of whether you are in an at-risk group or not, it is important
to educate yourself about HIV/AIDS and protect yourself against infection.
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The spread of HIV/AIDS is 100% preventable.
