HIV is a fragile virus and cannot survive outside of its host (the human body or body fluids). HIV also dies quickly when exposed to the air. The virus must be passed directly into your body for infection to take place.
HIV is NOT transmitted through casual contact or daily activities such as kissing and hugging, sharing cups or dishes, toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, food, or mosquitoes.
HIV can live in
blood (including menstrual blood), semen (including pre-cum), vaginal and anal secretions, and breast milk.
Saliva, tears, sweat and urine do not transmit HIV.
There are three common ways HIV enters the bloodstream:
- Unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
- Sharing needles or syringes
- From an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery or breast-feeding
Unprotected sex and sharing needles are the most common ways for HIV to be transmitted. Abstaining from sex and injection drug use are the most effective ways to reduce your risk of being infected with HIV. However, if you are going to have sex, the best way to reduce your risk is by practicing safer sex and using condoms. If you are going to use injection drugs, always use new needles and works.
The risk of transmission of HIV from mother to child can be greatly reduced if certain precautions are taken. Women living with HIV can protect their babies by taking medications during pregnancy and by not breast-feeding.
The risk of transmission through blood transfusion or blood products is also very low. Since 1986, all blood products in Canada are tested for HIV.