How HIV is Transmitted

People get infected with HIV through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids — but not saliva. These fluids can be passed between two people in a variety of ways, including having unprotected sex (oral, vaginal, or anal), sharing needles, or even from tattooing or body piercing.

Kissing is usually okay, but it is safest to avoid "intense kissing". People do not get HIV by hugging, shaking hands, bug bites, spit, or living with someone who has HIV.