Facts about HIV

HIV is present in the blood, sexual fluids (vaginal, male cum and pre-cum), and the breast milk of an infected person. It is not transmitted through tears, sweat, saliva, urine or feces. HIV is primarily transmitted to another person through sexual contact, but can be transmitted by any activity that brings infected body fluids into contact with uninfected body fluids or mucous membranes, such as sharing intravenous needles or very rarely through blood transfusions. An infected mother can pass the virus to her unborn child.

Latex male condoms are extremely effective in preventing sexual HIV transmission when used consistently and correctly, however the only sure prevention is to abstain from sexual activity, or to maintain a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Female condoms have not been evaluated for HIV prevention, but would theoretically be as effective as male condoms if used correctly.

Scientists have developed drugs that significantly extend the lives of HIV infected individuals, but there is currently NO CURE or vaccine for HIV.

HIV does not reproduce or survive long outside the human body. Because the virus dies so quickly outside the body, dried blood or other fluid does not have infectious virus in it. HIV is not transmitted through the air, through water or by insects.

Casual contact, such as touching or hugging, sharing of food utensils, towels and bedding, swimming pools, telephones, or toilet seats, does not spread HIV.