Prevention

Exchange of some fluids from the body of an HIV-infected person with others can transmit HIV, These body fluids are:

  • Blood
  • Semen (cum)
  • Pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum - the lubricating stuff that comes out of a penis when a man is sexually excited)
  • Vaginal fluid
  • Breast milk

HIV is spread mainly by:

  • Having sex with someone who has HIV, including
    • Anal sex (penis in the anus of a man or woman)
    • Vaginal sex (penis in the vagina)
    • Having multiple sex partners or having sexually transmitted infections can increase the risk of HIV infection through sex.
  • Use of contaminated sharp objects like needles, blades, pins, etc
  • Being born to an infected mother. HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
  • Receiving blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants that are contaminated with HIV.