Fluids capable of spreading the virus:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal secretions
- Breast milk
Especially risky behaviors:
- Vaginal sex - This is the most common way that the virus is transmitted. HIV can enter the body through the mucous membrane of the vagina, the urethra, or an.y damaged tissue
- Anal sex - The lining of the rectum is easily torn, which could let HIV enter the body.
- Sharing needles or other drug equipment - Infected blood that is left on used drug equipment can then be inserted directly into another person's bloodstream.
There are many misconceptions that exist concerning the spread of HIV. Some of the most common ones include:
- HIV can be spread by simply coming into contact with an infected individual. This is false. HIV can only be transmitted though blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.
- HIV can be transmitted through mosquitoes. HIV cannot live in insects for very long. Also, mosquitoes do not inject blood into their victims.
- HIV cannot be transmitted through oral sex. It is very possible to spread HIV this way, and cuts or sores inside the mouth can greatly increase the risk.
