HOW HIV SPREADS

HIV spreads when the virus is transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person.

In order for a person to become infected by HIV, the virus has to enter the blood stream.

This can happen directly–by a needle or syringe–or indirectly–through mucous membranes or through cuts and sores.

The virus can be spread if an unprotected person’s blood stream comes in contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk.

HIV is most commonly spread through unprotected sex and by sharing needles.

HIV does not survive well outside the body.

With a few simple precautions, it is very easy to prevent the spread of HIV.