By: Louis Catania, Division of Infectious Disease and medically reviewed by Ann K. Avery, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at MetroHealth Medical Center
There’s a lot of confusion out there about HIV, from old myths, to fear, and everything in between. Many people don’t talk enough about HIV, as it is. But talking about it—and knowing the facts-- helps you stay safe, support others, and protect your peace. 💖
So, let’s answer the big question: how do you catch HIV?
First things first: what is HIV?
HIV (short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects the immune system. If left untreated, it can make it harder for your body to fight off infections. But, thanks to modern medicine, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, and happy lives. 💊❤️
Now that we know what it is, let’s talk about how you catch HIV—and just as importantly, how you don’t.
How do you catch HIV? Let’s talk transmission.
HIV lives in certain bodily fluids. The fluids that can carry HIV are:
🩸 Blood
🍆 Semen (including pre-cum)
💦 Vaginal fluid
🍼 Breast milk
💧 Anal mucus and rectal fluid
You can only “catch” HIV (aka, become HIV positive) when one of these fluids from a person who has HIV gets into your body in a particular way. Here’s how transmission can happen:
- Sex without protection with someone who has HIV and isn’t on effective treatment. HIV transmission is most likely to happen with anal sex, and also happens with vaginal sex. HIV is very rarely spread through oral sex.
- Sharing needles, like during injection drug use or [JS1]tattooing and piercing
- During pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding from a pregnant parent who is not on HIV medicine, to a baby. If they’re undetectable (U=U), this isn’t a problem! More on that later.
So, if you’ve ever wondered “how do you catch HIV?”—these are the main ways. But…
Let’s bust a few myths 💥
Here’s how you don’t catch HIV:
🚫 Hugging
🚫 Kissing
🚫 Sharing food or drinks
🚫 Using the same toilet or shower or razor or toothbrush (eww, why would you do that anyway?! Lol)
🚫 Holding hands
🚫 Sneezing or coughing near someone
🚫 Touching someone’s sweat or tears
HIV is not passed through casual contact. You don’t have to be afraid of being around someone with HIV. Love and kindness are always safe. 🫂
What about protection and prevention?
Here’s the good news: HIV is totally preventable.
🛡️ Condoms work great when they’re used correctly. They protect against HIV and other STIs.
💊 PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill or monthly injection you can take if you’re HIV negative but want to stay protected. (As of June 18th 2025, the FDA approved an injection for PrEP that people will only need every 6 months!)
💥 PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a medicine you take within 72 hours after a possible exposure.
🔁 Regular HIV testing helps you know your status and take control of your health.
And here’s something really amazing: when someone with HIV is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they can’t pass the virus to anyone else during sex. This is called U=U (undetectable = untransmittable), and it’s a game-changer. 💪
So, how do you catch HIV today?
The truth is, with all the ways to prevent and treat HIV, it’s harder than ever to catch, and easier than ever to stay safe—especially if you’re informed and taking care of your health.
And, if you do get HIV, you can still live a full, amazing life. People with HIV can have great relationships, have careers, start families, and do all the things they dream of. 💫
Keep the conversation going
The more we talk openly about HIV, the less scary it becomes. When we replace shame with facts, and fear with compassion, we create a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported. 🫶
Still have questions like “how do you catch HIV?” or “what’s the difference between HIV and AIDS?” You're not alone, and that’s where Positive Peers comes in. Our app is a private, safe space full of real people, real stories, and real support.
📲 Download the Positive Peers app today to learn more, connect with others, and take charge of your health—your way.