HIV is spread through the bodily fluids of people infected with the virus. Most commonly, this spread occurs through unprotected sexual contact. It can also be spread via contaminated blood, typically through sharing of needles. HIV can also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. [1]
What causes human immunodeficiency virus?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Human immunodeficiency virus is transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected individuals, primarily through unprotected sexual contact, but also via contaminated blood and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.