 
How is HIV Transmitted?
There are several ways to become infected with HIV. Here's an easy formula to help describe how the virus is transmitted:
HIV Positive Body Fluid
+
Direct Access to the Bloodstream
+
Risk Activity
= Possible Infection with HIV
HIV+ Body Fluid
The body fluids that may put someone at risk for HIV infection are:
- Blood (including menstrual blood)
- Semen (including pre-cum)
- Vaginal fluid
- Breast milk
Direct Access to the Bloodstream
HIV must get into the blood stream. This may happen through:
- Receptor cells (found in vagina, anus, tip of the penis)
- Open cuts, tears and sores in the skin
- Intravenous needles/syringes
Risk Activity
In order to be at risk for HIV infection, a person must be participating in an activity like:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Sharing intravenous needles (for steroids, drugs, piercing, tattoos, etc)
- Breast-feeding
If you've engaged in any combination of these risk activities, you may have put yourself at risk for HIV.
Contact YouthCO, your doctor or a walk-in clinic to make an appointment to learn more and to get tested.
Learn more about HIV and AIDS and the Stages of the virus.
Learn about Hepatitis C, How it is Transmitted, and its Symptoms.
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