The Well Project is a Not For Profit Corporation developed by and for women living with HIV, their health care providers and caregivers. Our website provides valuable resources and information in English and Spanish on the basics of HIV/AIDS, its treatment, women-specific issues and much more.
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HIV: The Basics
HIV: The Basics - An Overview
HIV Transmission
To reduce the risk of HIV transmission:
  • Do not reuse or share dirty needles: Clean needles with a bleach solution before reusing them or use fresh needles each time.
  • Do not have unprotected sex: Use a condom every time you have sex, especially for anal and vaginal intercourse, which are the riskiest sexual activities.
  • Get tested if you are pregnant or considering pregnancy: HIV+ mothers can pass the virus to their babies while pregnant, during birth, or by breastfeeding. Advances in treatments have significantly reduced the risk of a baby getting HIV from its mother when precautions are taken.
    • Common myth: "HIV can be spread through casual contact.
    • Truth: HIV cannot be spread through tears, sweat, and saliva. Casual contact is not risky because it does not include contact with infectious body fluids. Examples of casual contact include: social kissing, use of public facilities (pools, theaters, bathrooms), sharing drinks or eating utensils, etc. Insect bites do not transmit HIV.
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