HIV is found in semen, blood, breast milk, vaginal and anal fluids. Most people get HIV by having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV. In some cases, HIV may be passed during unprotected oral sex.
HIV is passed through vaginal and anal sexual contact. This includes both penetrative sex and sexual activities where there is an exchange of body fluids. There is a very low chance that HIV may be passed through oral sex or when using sex toys.
HIV can also be passed through sharing drug equipment, such as needles.
HIV does not live for long outside the body. It cannot be spread by casual contact such as kissing or sharing drinking glasses with someone who has HIV.
If you have HIV, you can pass it to others even if you don’t have symptoms.