Causes of HIV Infection

HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. It spreads only through certain body fluids, and only when they reach the bloodstream or mucous membranes of another person.

Body fluids that can carry HIV

Blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk.

Main ways it spreads

• Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or, less commonly, oral) with someone who has HIV and is not on effective treatment
• Sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment
• Mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding, if the mother is not on treatment
• Blood transfusion or organ transplant from an unscreened donor, which is now rare where screening is done
• Unsterile needles or instruments in tattooing, piercing or medical settings, where infection control is poor
• Needle-stick injuries in health workers

What raises the chance of infection

• Having another sexually transmitted infection
• Many partners or partners whose status is unknown
• Not using condoms
• Not taking PrEP when at high risk

What does not spread HIV

Touch, hugging, sharing food or toilets, coughing, sweat, tears or mosquito bites.

Ayurvedic view