HIV and AIDS

HIV spreads through body fluids such as vaginal fluids, semen, and blood. Anyone exposed to the virus through sexual or blood contact can get infected. You can pass HIV through sex (vaginal, oral, or anal), injection drug use, and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. In very rare cases, HIV can pass on through blood transfusions or organ transplants. However, all blood and donated organs undergo screening for HIV, so the chance of infection this way is very small. Individuals can still spread HIV even if they don't have symptoms. To help prevent HIV/AIDS: 

• Use a new barrier method every time (like a condom or dental dam) for each sexual act, partner, and when switching between oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

  • Condoms made from “natural” materials (such as lambskin) can help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For STI protection, use latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. Check the product label to confirm what type of condom you’re using.

• Use new needles: If using injectable drugs, always use a new needle and never share needles.

• Consider PrEP for HIV prevention: PrEP is available as a daily pill or an injection once every month for the first two months and then every two months for people who are HIV-negative. PrEP helps to prevent individuals from contracting HIV if they are at risk of exposure.

• Use PEP after possible HIV exposure: PEP can prevent HIV if started as soon as possible, within 72 hours of exposure.

• Get tested regularly: Both you and your partner should get tested frequently to know your status. Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested or visit LetsTalkHIVBoston.com for more information.

• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, follow cleaning instructions for toys and check for damage, and use condoms on toys. 

• Understand that having sex while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can increase the likelihood of unprotected sex.

Risk factors for HIV include:

• Anal or vaginal sex without using a condom (latex, nitrile, or polyurethane)
• Having multiple sex partners
• Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis
• Sharing needles or "works" if injecting drugs
• Being born to an HIV infected woman
• There is little to no risk of getting or transmitting HIV from oral sex

HIV does not survive long outside the human body, and it cannot reproduce outside a human host. It is not spread by:

• Mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects
• Saliva, tears, or sweat that is not mixed with the blood of an HIV-positive person
• Hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, or closed-mouth or "social" kissing with someone who is HIV-positive
• Other sexual activities that don't involve the exchange of body fluids (for example, touching)