HIV Transmission

The HIV virus must be present for infection to occur.  There needs to be enough of the virus for transmission to appear.  In blood for example, the virus is very concentrated.  A small amount of blood is enough to infect someone.  HIV must also make its way into the bloodstream for infection to occur.  HIV can enter the body through an open cut or sore, or through contact with the mucous membranes.  It is important to note that HIV is not only present in blood, but other bodily fluids.  You cannot get HIV through saliva, urine, tears, sweat, faces and vomit, when blood is not present. 

Transmission routes for HIV to infect another person can include unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex, direct blood contact, and from mother to baby.  Non-sexual transmission can also include the sharing or reuse of needles.  Since 1985 all blood transfusions and organ donations are required to be screened for HIV using the HIV antibody test.