Can you contract it from kissing and hugging? If you have sex with someone who has it, do you automatically contract it? These are just a few of the many questions posed by people concerned about HIV.
The truth is, HIV is not contracted as easily as a lot of people tend to think.
It is extremely rare for HIV to be transmitted through kissing, hugging, or the toilet seat.
HIV is a virus that is carried in blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and in some cases breast milk.
In order to contract HIV you need to have an exposure to one of these infected bodily fluids.
Additionally, the infected fluid then needs to make it's way into your bloodstream.
The means of transmission are often reflected in those who have contracted HIV.
HIV is noticeably prevalent in intravenous drug users and individuals engaging in unprotected receptive anal sex.
The obvious reason for this is that these acts create a direct opening to the bloodstream.
Needles literally go directly to the blood stream, while anal lining simply tears during intercourse and creates a pathway.
It's not that these are the only ways to get HIV, they are just considered higher risk activities.
For example, many people are concerned with contracting HIV from receiving oral sex.
Is it possible? Absolutely.
Is it probable? Absolutely not.
You'll notice that saliva was not listed as one of the fluids that carries HIV.
That was no mistake - HIV is not carried in saliva.
From oral sex, the only (somewhat) likely fluid you would be exposed to would be blood.
On top of that, even if the person was HIV positive, and they were actively bleeding in their mouth, that blood still needs to make it's way into your bloodstream.
HIV is not the type of virus to dig through the skin.
It needs a direct entrance (i.
e.
a cut or open sore).
As I mentioned before, certain acts are considered more risky than others.
The acts are generally considered risky because they are more likely to create a direct exposure to the bloodstream.
IV drug users who share needles are at an elevated risk, because a dirty needle goes directly into the bloodstream.
People who engage in receptive anal sex are also at risk, because the anal lining often tears during intercourse which opens the pathway to the blood.
Vaginal lining is more durable and doesn't tear as easily, so the risk is lessened with vaginal intercourse.
And of course, using protection always plays a large factor in protecting yourself against HIV.
So, if you have ever asked "how do you get HIV?", consider the factors involved before worrying.
If you didn't see any blood, and/or you didn't have any cuts that may have been exposed - take a sigh of relief.
Chances are that everything is going to be fine.
However, if you think you may have been a bit risky or just want the peace of mind, get tested.
The testing process is easy and you'll be glad you did.