How HIV is spread

Knowing the risks

HIV is transmitted through any body fluid that contains the virus, but transmission occurs mainly through the seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, blood or breast milk of an infected person. HIV can be transmitted either through sexual contact with an infected person, injection or infusion of contaminated blood, or transfer from an infected mother to child before, during or after birth. Reducing the number of sexual partners, abstaining from sex, as well as not sharing or re-using needles are smart prevention practices to follow but nothing replaces the importance of safe sex for reducing the risk of HIV infection.

Below is a list of sexual activities, rated in terms of their riskiness for HIV infection based on this criteria:

  • No risk means none of the conditions are met for HIV infection to occur.
  • Extremely low risk means even though bodily fluids are being exchanged, the possibility of HIV transmission appears to be unlikely.
  • Low risk means HIV infection can occur, and some cases have been reported.
  • High risk means HIV infection is likely to occur through these activities.

These ratings ONLY apply to the level of risk associated with the transmission of HIV.

Activity No risk (unless sores are present) Extremely low risk (unless sores are present) Low risk High risk
Kissing Dry Kissing (no saliva exchanged) Wet kissing (saliva exchanged)    
Fellatio   Giving (if ejaculation does not occur or a condom is used) Done to infected male with or without ingestion of semen if a condom is not used or used incorrectly (risk is less if oral sex is done to an uninfected male by an infected person)  
Cunnilingus   Giving (if a barrier is used) Giving (if no barrier is used)  
Analingus   Giving
Receiving		    
Vaginal intercouse     If a condom is used correctly Without a condom or if the condom is used incorrectly
Anal
Intercourse		     If a condom is used correctly Without a condom or if the condom is used incorrectly

The best STD and HIV barrier is a latex condom without Nonoxynol 9 (a chemical that kills sperm and prevents pregnancy). Because Nonoxynol 9 contains a microbicide, it was believed to potentially be effective in killing viruses like HIV. However, studies in humans have produced mixed results. In fact, frequent use of Nonoxynol 9 can increase the risk of genital lesions which can potentially increase the risk of HIV transmission. However, using a condom lubricated with Nonoxynol 9 is better than using no condom at all.

Educational videos

a portrayal of 3 people with HIV and their own take on their journey of living with HIV. a quick run-through of an HIV clinic and what to expect. separating myth from reality regarding side effects of treatment. a look at HIV and aging.

Take action video

A powerful video reminding people of the threat of HIV and how to take action.

Download
the song Apologist
by the Cougarettes.