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World AIDS Day: Which body fluids can transmit HIV?

World AIDS Day: Which body fluids can transmit HIV?

Open-mouth kissing with an HIV positive person can be risky. Find out why.

Written by Mansi Kohli |Published : December 1, 2016 11:19 AM IST

I am a 28-year-old man and very sexually active. I have had sex with multiple partners. I wanted to know which body fluids can transmit HIV?

Dr Shelly Singh, Sr. Consultant Gynaecologist, Primus Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi answers the query.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can easily be spread through infected human blood or sexual fluids into your system. To get infected, the HIV must get pass the body s defence mechanism and it can enter through semen or pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids or anal mucous, breast milk, or vaginal fluids. In fact, even a small amount of blood transmitted in your mouth might transmit HIV by oral sex or kissing. These body fluids can enter into a non-HIV infected person s blood through a mucous membrane, such as opening of the penis, lining of the vagina, rectum or the mouth, or by breaking into the skin or by getting injected directly into the bloodstream. Also, note that deep, open-mouth kissing with a HIV-positive partner who has open sores or bleeding gums can lead to HIV through saliva.

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One can easily get HIV while having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV and by sharing or injecting drugs through needles, syringes or other instruments with an HIV-infected person. Expecting and newbie mothers can also pass HIV infection during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding through breast milk. In the most unfortunate cases, one can also get HIV by blood products, organ or tissue transplants or blood transfusions that are contaminated with HIV. Healthcare professionals should be extra vigilant as they can be at a higher risk of getting HIV from cuts of infected blood made by sharp objects or needles. Do note that HIV is not passed through insect bites, air, water, sweat, tears, shaking hands, sharing toilets, hugging or social kissing with a HIV-positive person. Read more about World AIDS Day - Can I get HIV from oral sex?

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