Protect Yourself

This web page provides basic information on how HIV is transmitted and how you can reduce your risk of infection. It includes HIV prevention information that may not be appropriate for all audiences. 

How is HIV transmitted?
How is HIV not transmitted?
How can I reduce my risk of becoming infected with HIV through sexual contact?
Are there other ways to avoid getting HIV through sex?
Is there a link between HIV and other sexually transmitted infections?
How can I avoid acquiring HIV from a contaminated syringe?
Should I get tested for HIV?
Where can I learn more about how to protect myself against HIV?

How is HIV transmitted?

A person who has HIV carries the virus in certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The virus can be transmitted only if such HIV-infected fluids enter the bloodstream of another person. This kind of direct entry can occur (1) through the linings of the vagina, rectum, mouth, and the opening at the tip of the penis; (2) through intravenous injection with a syringe; or (3) through a break in the skin, such as a cut or sore. Usually, HIV is transmitted through:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal) with someone who has HIV. Women are at greater risk of HIV infection through vaginal sex than men, although the virus can also be transmitted from women to men. Anal sex (whether male-male or male-female) poses a high risk mainly to the receptive partner, because the lining of the anus and rectum is extremely thin and is filled with small blood vessels that can be easily injured during intercourse.
• Unprotected oral sex with someone who has HIV . There are far fewer cases of HIV transmission attributed to oral sex than to either vaginal or anal intercourse, but oral-genital contact poses a clear risk of HIV infection, particularly when ejaculation occurs in the mouth. This risk goes up when either partner has cuts or sores, such as those caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), recent tooth brushing, or canker sores, which can allow the virus to enter the bloodstream.
• Sharing needles or syringes with someone who is HIV infected. Laboratory studies show that infectious HIV can survive in used syringes for a month or more. That's why people who inject drugs should never reuse or share syringes, water, or drug preparation equipment. This includes needles or syringes used to inject illegal drugs such as heroin, as well as steroids. Other types of needles, such as those used for body piercing and tattoos, can also carry HIV.
• Infection during pregnancy, childbirth, or breast feeding—known as mother-to-child transmission. Any woman who is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant and thinks she may have been exposed to HIV—even if the exposure occurred years ago—should seek testing and counseling. In the US, mother-to-child transmission has dropped to just a few cases each year because pregnant women are routinely tested for HIV. Those who test positive can get drugs to prevent HIV from being passed on to a fetus or infant, and they are counseled not to breast feed.

How is HIV not transmitted?

HIV is not an easy virus to pass from one person to another. It is not transmitted through food or air (for instance, by coughing or sneezing). There has never been a case where a person was infected by a household member, relative, co-worker, or friend through casual or everyday contact such as sharing eating utensils or bathroom facilities, or through hugging or kissing. (Most scientists agree that while HIV transmission through deep or prolonged "French" kissing may be possible, it would be extremely unlikely.) Here in the US, screening the blood supply for HIV has virtually eliminated the risk of infection through blood transfusions (and you cannot get HIV from giving blood at a blood bank or other established blood collection center). Sweat, tears, vomit, feces, and urine do contain HIV, but have not been reported to transmit the disease (apart from two cases involving transmission from fecal matter via cut skin). Mosquitoes, fleas, and other insects do not transmit HIV.

How can I reduce my risk of becoming infected with HIV through sexual contact?

Abstinence, or avoiding sexual intercourse altogether, is the only 100% effective method of preventing HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.

If you are sexually active, protect yourself against HIV by practicing safer sex. That means using a latex condom each and every time you have vaginal or anal sex. Also, use a "dental dam" or plastic wrap during oral sex. When used properly and consistently, condoms are extremely effective. But remember:

• Use only latex condoms (or dental dams). Lambskin products provide little protection against HIV.
• Use only water-based lubricants. Latex condoms are virtually useless when combined with oil- or petroleum-based lubricants such as Vaseline® or hand lotion. (People with latex allergies can use polyethylene condoms with oil-based lubricants).
• Use protection each and every time you have sex.
• Remember, if you have an infection with open sores, the infection can be transmitted through skin surfaces that are not covered by the condom.

Are there other ways to avoid getting HIV through sex?

The male condom is the only widely available barrier against sexual transmission of HIV. Female condoms are fairly unpopular in the US and still relatively expensive, but they are gaining acceptance in some developing countries. Efforts are also under way to develop topical creams or gels called microbicides, which could be applied prior to sexual intercourse to kill HIV and prevent other STIs that facilitate HIV infection.

Is there a link between HIV and other sexually transmitted infections?

Having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can increase your risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. This is true whether you have open sores or breaks in the skin (as with syphilis, herpes, and chancroid) or not (as with chlamydia and gonorrhea). Where there are breaks in the skin, HIV can enter and exit the bloodstream more easily. But even when there are no breaks in the skin, STIs can cause biological changes, such as swelling of tissue, that may make HIV transmission more likely. Studies show that HIV-positive individuals who are infected with another STI are three to five times more likely to contract or transmit the virus through sexual contact.

How can I avoid acquiring HIV from a contaminated syringe?

If you are injecting drugs of any type, including steroids, do not share syringes or other injection equipment with anyone else. (Disinfecting previously used needles and syringes with bleach can reduce the risk of HIV transmission.) If you are planning to have any part of your body pierced or to get a tattoo, be sure to see a qualified professional who uses sterile equipment. Detailed HIV prevention information for drug users who continue to inject is available from the CDC's National Prevention Information Network at 1-800-458-5321 or online at www.cdc.gov/idu.

Should I get tested for HIV?

If you think you might have been exposed to HIV, you should get tested as soon as possible. Here's why:

• Even in the early stages of infection, you can take concrete steps to protect your long-term health. Regular check-ups with a doctor who has experience with HIV/AIDS will help you make informed decisions about whether and when to begin anti-HIV treatment, without waiting until you get sick.
• Taking an active approach to managing HIV may give you many more years of healthy life than you would otherwise have.
• If you are HIV positive, you will be able to take the precautions necessary to protect others from becoming infected.
• If you are HIV positive and pregnant, you can take medications and other precautions to significantly reduce the risk of infecting your infant, including not breast feeding.

Here in the US, the National AIDS hotline can answer questions about HIV testing and refer you to testing sites in your area. Operators are available toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at:

• 1-800-232-4636 (English/Español)
• 1-888-232-6348 (TTY/deaf access)

Where can I learn more about how to protect myself against HIV?

These are just a few of the many online resources for HIV/AIDS prevention information:

Advocates for Youth
AIDS InfoNet
The Body
Gay Men's Health Crisis
HIV inSite