The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, has existed in the United States since at least the 1970s, but myths and misconceptions about how it’s transmitted still persist.
Most people know that the virus is commonly spread through sexual contact and intravenous drug use. But what other behaviors are — and are not — risk factors
For transmission to occur, the HIV in these fluids must get into the bloodstream of an HIV-negative person through a mucous membrane (found in the rectum, vagina, mouth, or tip of the penis), through open cuts or sores, or by direct injection (from a needle or syringe).
People with HIV who take HIV medicine as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives and will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex.
Through saliva, tears, or sweat. By hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, or closed-mouth or “social” kissing with someone who has HIV. Through other sexual activities that don’t involve the exchange of body fluids (for example, touching). Through the air.
There are many effective barriers that prevent infection.
Skin: Skin is an excellent barrier against HIV, unless there is an open cut or open wound. Infectious fluid on skin is NOT a route for infection.
Mucous membranes in the mouth, throat and stomach: These membranes are good barriers against HIV infection, so long as there are not cuts, ulcers or sores.
Saliva: Saliva contains proteins and a low salt content that actively reduce its infectiousness. Even when HIV is detected there is too little to cause infection. HIV is not transmitted by kissing including deep kissing. Spit cannot transmit HIV.
Casual Contact: HIV is not spread through everyday activities like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food and drinks. The virus does not survive long outside the human body, so touching objects handled by an HIV-positive person does not pose a risk.
Insects
HIV is not spread by insects. Insects do not become infected and their saliva does not contain the virus. Blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitoes, do not inject blood into the next person they bite.
From a Hug
No. HIV is only spread through specific body fluids: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid (secreted from the penis before ejaculation), vaginal and rectal fluid, and breast milk. Hugging and shaking hands are safe.
Closed-Mouth Kissing: Intimate contact such as kissing on the lips, with no exchange of blood, does not transmit HIV. The virus is not present in saliva in quantities sufficient to cause infection.
Sharing Facilities: HIV cannot be spread through sharing facilities like toilets, swimming pools, or gym equipment. The virus is not transmitted through water, and casual contact with surfaces or equipment does not pose a risk.
Understanding these modes of transmission helps promote empathy, reduce fear, and combat stigma against those living with HIV/AIDS. It’s important to rely on accurate information and avoid discrimination based on misconceptions about how the virus spreads.