How is HIV spread from one person to another? HIV is spread when
infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk gets into
the bloodstream of another person through: - direct entry into a
blood vessel; - mucous linings, such as the vagina, rectum,
penis, mouth, eyes, or nose; or - a break in the skin. HIV is
not spread through saliva (spit). HIV is spread in the following
ways: - Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using a
condom. - Sharing needles, syringes, or works to inject drugs,
vitamins, hormones, steroids, or medicines. - Women with HIV
infection can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy,
delivery, and breastfeeding. - People who are exposed to blood
and/or body fluids at work, like health care workers, may be
exposed to HIV through needle-sticks or other on-the-job
exposures. It is also possible to pass HIV through sharing
needles for piercing or tattooing. A person infected with HIV
can pass the virus to others during these activities. This is
true even if the person: - has no sympto