How is HIV Transmitted?

HIV is often surrounded by misinformation, fear, and stigma. Understanding how HIV is transmitted, and how it is not, is an essential step toward protecting your health, supporting others, and reducing unnecessary anxiety. Accurate information empowers people to make informed decisions and helps create healthier, more compassionate communities.

What Is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the immune system. If left untreated, HIV can weaken the body’s ability to fight infections over time. With early testing, prevention tools, and proper care, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

Understanding transmission is key to prevention and debunking myths.

How HIV Is Transmitted

HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids from a person who has HIV and an undetectable or detectable viral load. These fluids include:

• Blood
• Semen (including pre-seminal fluid)
• Vaginal fluids
• Rectal fluids
• Breast milk
  

For transmission to occur, these fluids must enter the bloodstream of another person through:

• Mucous membranes (such as the vagina, rectum, or urethra)
• Open cuts or sores
• Direct injection into the bloodstream

Common Ways HIV Can Be Transmitted

• Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV
• Sharing needles or syringes, including those used for injection drugs
• From parent to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (when not receiving appropriate care)
• Exposure through blood, such as needlestick injuries (primarily in healthcare settings)

How HIV Is Not Transmitted

HIV cannot be spread through casual contact or everyday activities. It is not transmitted by:

• Hugging, kissing, or holding hands
• Sharing food, drinks, or utensils
• Using the same toilet or shower
• Coughing or sneezing
• Mosquito or insect bites
• Sweat, saliva, or tears
  

These facts are important for reducing stigma and fear surrounding HIV.

Prevention Tools That Reduce Risk

There are several highly effective ways to reduce the risk of HIV transmission:

• Using condoms consistently and correctly
• Routine HIV and STI testing
• PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for people who are HIV-negative and at increased risk
• PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) if started within 72 hours after possible exposure
• HIV treatment—people living with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable)

Take Care of Your Sexual Health with Novus in Pennsylvania

If you’re due for testing, have questions about HIV prevention, or want to take a proactive step in your sexual health, Novus is here to support you. We offer confidential, judgment-free care for sexually active adults at six convenient locations across Pennsylvania: Bethlehem, Bridgeport, Doylestown, Lehighton, Reading, and Stroudsburg.

Scheduling an appointment is simple, and our welcoming team is ready to meet you where you are without pressure or stigma. Taking care of your sexual health starts with one step, and we’re here when you’re ready.