How HIV / AIDS is Spread

The spread of HIV / AIDS occurs through contact with body fluids such as sperm, blood, vaginal discharge, or breast milk contaminated with the HIV virus, it can also occur during pregnancy or childbirth.

What happens is that the HIV virus enters the body of the individual begins to weaken the immune system causing symptoms such as fever, malaise, dry cough, and sore throat that usually manifest 3 to 6 weeks after infection, can easily be confused with a cold or flu. Thus, if the individual had some risk behavior as intimate contact without a condom, an HIV test should be performed after 40 to 60 days to confirm whether or not he has HIV.  See what are the symptoms of HIV and AIDS.

How HIV / AIDS is Transmitted

Transmission of HIV / AIDS only occurs when there is direct contact with the blood or secretions of an infected individual, so it is not possible to transmit it through kisses or contact with the sweat of an infected individual. The table below best specifies how the virus can be transmitted:


You can get HIV / AIDS Through:

Intimate contact without a condom with an individual infected with the virus.
From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Direct contact with infected blood.
Use the same needle or syringe that was used by an infected individual.

You cannot get HIV / AIDS Through:

Kiss or kisses on the mouth, hugs, or handshake.
Tears, sweat, clothes, or sheets.
Use the same glass, cutlery, or plates.
Use the same bath or pool.


Although HIV / AIDS is a highly contagious disease, it is possible to live, have lunch, work, or have a romantic relationship with someone infected with the virus, since kissing, sharing kitchen utensils, or shaking hands do not transmit AIDS. However, if the person with HIV has a cut in the hand, for example, it is necessary to take some care such as not squeezing the hand or wearing gloves so as not to come into contact with the individual's blood.

Vertical Transmission of HIV / AIDS

Vertical transmission of HIV / AIDS refers to the transmission of the virus from an HIV-carrying mother to her baby, either through the placenta, during labor or during breastfeeding.

This infection can occur if the mother's viral load is very high or if she breastfeeds the baby.

To avoid vertical transmission of HIV / AIDS, it is recommended that the mother follow the treatment even during pregnancy to minimize her viral load and not breastfeed her baby, offering breast milk from another mother of the human milk bank or with Supplementation of infant milk formulas.

How to Prevent Infection with HIV / AIDS

It is possible to prevent the spread of HIV / AIDS by maintaining some care such as:

• Use condoms in all intimate relationships, including oral ones;
• Wear gloves and only sterilized material if you have to touch blood or other secretions;
• Do not share syringes;
• In the case of an HIV positive mother, do not breastfeed the baby.

It is very important to always have this care, even in individuals already carrying the HIV virus, to prevent it from becoming infected again, which makes treatment even more difficult. See how to treat HIV / AIDS in: AIDS treatment.