TRANSMISSION

HIV loves blood and its components, which are: white blood cells, red blood cells, plasma, etc. This is the main way HIV can be transmitted from one "host" to the next.

Ways that HIV can get from one place to the next, through body fluids:

Blood = this bodily fluid can be highly infectious and exposure can easily occur. Blood from an infected person needs to come into contact with the blood of another person who is uninfected , in order for the uninfected person to become infected.

Cerebrospinal Fluids = HIV particles are in highest concentration in spinal fluids.

Semen = semen has the same concentration of virus particles as blood.

Vaginal Fluids = there are far less HIV particles found in these fluids.

Breast Milk = human breast milk contains low concentrations of virus particles.

Saliva = Saliva is non-infectious, because it contains very low levels of HIV particles and it contains a protein that kills HIV. However cuts, bleeding gums, ulcers, and sores in the mouth can assist in the transmission of the HIV virus.

Tears = tears have the same concentration of HIV particles as saliva

Urine = urine has the same concentration of HIV particles as saliva

Sweat = HIV particles have not been found in sweat.

Symptoms

Risky Behavior

Myths

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