The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) spread through multiple, clearly researched and defined methods, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). For the virus to spread, one person must be infected with the virus. There are also clear definitions of how the diseases do not spread, which the CDC identifies to allay fears and misinformation.
How You Can't Be Exposed
Exposure to the virus does not occur if you swim in a pool or other body of water with someone who is infected. Similarly, the virus is not airborne, so being in the same room, plane, bus, car or other shared airspace is perfectly safe, according to the CDC. Insects, even those that extract blood like mosquitoes, are not carriers of the disease. The CDC states that there hasn't been any scientific evidence that links insects to HIV and AIDS infection.
How You Can Be Exposed
Sexual contact with an infected partner without using a barrier, such as a latex or polyurethane condom, can expose you to the virus. Sharing needles with a person infected with HIV can also expose you to the virus. It is uncommon, but you can also have exposure due to blood transfusions. This is much less likely now that screening processes are in place to detect the presence of the virus and remove infected blood and plasma from blood banks. Babies born to mothers who are infected with the virus may be exposed during childbirth or while breastfeeding.
Health workers may be exposed if infected blood enters the eye or inside the nose, or if they are accidentally stuck by an infected needle. The CDC states that there is only one incident of one health worker--a dentist--infecting six patients.
Fluids and the Risk
Tears and saliva show evidence of the virus in some infected persons. French kissing, or open-mouthed kissing, is a potential risk as the virus is present in saliva of some infected persons. However, the CDC deems this risk as very low. Biting does not seem to be a risk, unless there is extensive and deep, penetrating damage to the tissue. While the virus may be present in tears and saliva, it isn't clear that it can in any way be transmitted to another person who comes in contact with these fluids. Lastly, the CDC states that there hasn't been any evidence of HIV in the sweat of an infected person.
