Transmission and Testing

Ways in which HIV can spread

• Unprotected sexual intercourse: Sexual intercourse without a condom is risky, because the virus, which is present in an infected person's sexual fluids, can pass directly into the body of their partner. This is true for unprotected vaginal and anal sex. Oral sex carries a lower risk.
• Contact with an infected person's blood: If sufficient blood from an infected person enters someone else's body then it can pass on the virus.
• From mother to child: HIV can be transmitted from an infected woman to her baby during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding.
• Use of infected blood products: Many people in the past have been infected with HIV by the use of blood transfusions and blood products which were contaminated with the virus - in hospitals.
• Injecting drugs: People who use injected drugs are also vulnerable to HIV infection. In many parts of the world, injecting equipment or works are shared  because it is illegal to possess them. A tiny amount of blood can transmit HIV and can be injected directly into the bloodstream with the drugs.

It is not possible for HIV to spread by

• sharing crockery and cutlery.
• insect / animal bites.
• touching, hugging or shaking hands.
• eating food prepared by someone with HIV.
• toilet seats.