One Life

How HIV is spread

Knowing the risks

HIV is transmitted through the seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, or blood of an infected person, before and during sex. Reducing the number of sexual partners and getting tested for HIV are both smart prevention practices to follow but nothing replaces the importance of safe sex for reducing the risk of HIV infection.

Below is a list of sexual activities, rated in terms of their riskiness for HIV infection based on this criteria:

• No risk means none of the conditions are met for HIV infection to occur.
• No real risk means even though bodily fluids are being exchanged, the possibility of HIV transmission appears to be unlikely.
• Low risk means HIV infection can occur, and some cases have been reported.
• High risk means HIV infection is likely to occur through these activities.

These ratings ONLY apply to the level of risk associated with the transmission of HIV.

Activity	No risk	No real risk	Low risk	High risk
Kissing	Dry Kissing (no saliva exchanged)	Wet kissing (saliva exchanged
Fellatio		Receiving	Giving
Cunnilingus		Giving Receiving
Analingus		Giving Receiving
Vaginal intercouse			With a condom	Without a condom
Anal Intercourse			With a condom	Without a condom

- Adapted from information produced by CATIE (Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange). www.catie.ca

Latex condoms substantially reduce the risk of infection, however, condoms with Nonoxynol 9 (a chemical that kills sperm and prevents pregnancy) are considered risky. The harsh chemicals in it can damage the lining of the vagina or rectum and provide a transmission route for HIV.