HIV Is Not Spread By Contact With: · There are two main ways that HIV is spread from person to person.    · One way is by having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.    · The other way is by sharing drug needles or syringes with an infected person.   · The HIV germ can also be spread from an HIV positive mother to a newborn baby before or during the birth process or through breastfeeding.   (However, it is possible for an HIV positive mother to have an HIV negative baby.) · In the 1980’s, a number of people were infected with HIV from blood transfusions.   However, now, the government tests all the blood that is donated for HIV.  There is very little risk of catching HIV from a blood transfusion in the United States today. · It ‘s possible to become infected with HIV from an accidental needlestick or a "splash" of body fluids.  Health care workers who protect themselves by using standard (universal) precautions are not likely to "catch" HIV on the job. · AIR Air kills the virus.  (HIV can’t live outside of its human “host”.) · DISHES & SILVERWARE The saliva that may transfer to dishes and silverware during meals will not spread HIV. · FOOD How Is HIV Spread? Page Three © 1998 In the Know, Inc. HIV is not easily spread.  You can only be infected if HIV positive blood or body fluids get into your system. · CLOTHES · TOILETS · WATER · INSECTS & ANIMALS Even biting insects like mosquitoes do not spread HIV.