How HIV infections spread

HIV can spread when:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal fluids
• Breast milk

from an infected individual enters the bloodstream of another through:

• Direct entry into a blood vessel
• Mucous linings, such as the vagina, rectum, penis, mouth, eyes, or nose; or
• A break in the skin

Activities that can spread HIV

• Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs, medicines or tattooing.
• Pregnant women infected with HIV can pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.

How HIV does NOT spread

HIV is not spread through:

• Saliva (spit)
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Eating or drinking from common utensils
• Shaking hands
• Hugging
• Using restrooms, drinking fountains, swimming pools, or hot tubs.