What activities allow HIV transmission?
• Unprotected sexual contact • Direct blood contact, including injection drug needles, blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings or certain blood products • Mother to baby (before or during birth, or through breast milk) Sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal): In the genitals and the rectum, HIV may infect the mucous membranes directly or enter through cuts and sores caused during intercourse (many of which would be unnoticed). Vaginal and anal intercourse is a high-risk practice. Oral sex (mouth-penis, mouth-vagina): The risk of HIV transmission through the throat, gums, and oral membranes is lower than through vaginal or anal membranes. There are however, documented cases where HIV was transmitted orally. Oral sex is considered a low risk practice. Sharing injection needles: An injection needle can pass blood directly from one person’s bloodstream to another. It is a very efficient way to transmit a blood-borne virus. Sharing needles is considered a high-risk practice. Mot
