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.