Ways heterosexual people get the virus….How can someone become infected with HIV?
The main ways that people become infected with HIV are: by having sexual intercourse with an infected partner by injecting drugs using a needle or syringe which has already been used by someone who is infected. HIV can be passed on in both ways because the virus is present in the sexual fluids and blood of infected people. If infected blood or sexual fluid gets into your blood, then you will become infected. Blood transfusions Some people have been infected through a transfusion of infected blood. But in most countries all the blood used for transfusions is now tested for HIV. In these countries where the blood has been tested, infection through a blood transfusion is now extremely rare. Blood products Blood products, such as those used by people with Haemophilia, are now heat-treated to make them safe. Mother to baby transmission An infected pregnant woman can pass the virus on to her unborn baby either before or during birth. HIV can also be passed on during breast feeding. Infection
