How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV enters the body through open cuts, sores, or breaks in the
skin; through mucous membranes, such as those inside the anus or
vagina; or through direct injection. There are several ways by
which this can happen:
1. Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
2. Sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment with
someone who is infected
3. Mother-to-child transmission
4. Transmission in healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals
have been infected with HIV in the workplace, usually after being
stuck with needles or sharp objects containing HIV-infected
blood.
5. Transmission via donated blood or blood clotting factors.
However, this is now very rare in countries where blood is screened
for HIV antibodies, including in Singapore.
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