HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) reduces the strength of the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight off normal infections. HIV increases an individual's vulnerability to certain types of cancers and to infections the body would normally be able to fight, like meningitis and pneumonia, states the Mayo Clinic. HIV is a communicable disease, meaning it can be spread from one person to another. The virus is found in all bodily fluids but at varying concentrations, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Blood
Blood of an infected person, when it enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person, is likely to cause HIV infection. The CDC points out that blood has a high concentration of the human immunodeficiency virus. There are numerous ways an individual can be exposed to HIV-positive blood, including sharing needles, unprotected sex, treating wounds and receiving a tainted blood transfusion. HIV awareness has helped improve medical facility practices to nearly eliminate blood contamination in the United States; however, it is still important to be cautious when the potential for blood exposure exists.
Genital Secretions
Semen and vaginal secretions contain a high level of HIV. The exchange of bodily fluids is imminent during unprotected sex, including anal sex, oral sex and vaginal sex. Using proper protection, such as latex condoms, during intercourse can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus, states the Mayo Clinic. It is possible for two individuals to maintain an intimate relationship despite one being infected with the virus while the other has not been.
Breast Milk
A mother's breast milk contains high concentrations of HIV, states the CDC. It is already likely that the infant contracted the virus while in the womb, as the fluid surrounding the baby contains the virus. This fluid (amniotic fluid) can cause an infection in health care workers if it enters the bloodstream. The Mayo Clinic states that women who get treatment during pregnancy can reduce the infant's risk of contracting HIV by as much as two-thirds. Childbirth can increase the risk of infecting the newborn, especially during a vaginal delivery, states Merck Manuals.
Fluids With Lower Concentrations
The CDC suggests HIV has been found in saliva and tears of infected individuals. The concentrations are low in these and other body fluids, like sweat. Contact with fluids containing only trace amounts of HIV have not been shown to spread HIV.
