Basic Information

Research has revealed a great deal of valuable medical, scientific, and public health information about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The ways in which HIV can be transmitted have been clearly identified. Unfortunately, false information or statements that are not supported by scientific findings continue to be shared widely.

HIV is spread by sexual contact with an infected person, by sharing needles and/or syringes (primarily for drug injection) with someone who is infected, or, less commonly (and now very rarely in countries where blood is screened for HIV antibodies), through transfusions of infected blood or blood clotting factors. Babies born to HIV-infected women may become infected before or during birth or through breast-feeding after birth.

The ways to prevent HIV transmission are well documented. Unfortunately individuals are still being diagnosed with HIV. Prevention programs focus on reducing the behaviors associated with HIV transmission through education and providing everyone regardless of personal behavior with the facts about how HIV is transmitted. An essential way to prevent transmission is to know your own HIV status, and the only way to know your HIV status is to get tested for HIV. To locate an HIV testing location near you or find out more information about HIV testing, visit the National HIV Testing Resource.