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Bodily fluids: HIV is transmitted from person to person via bodily fluids because the virus is present in varying concentrations in the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. It can be spread by sexual contact with an infected person, by sharing needles/syringes with someone who is infected, or, less commonly (and rare in countries where blood is screened for HIV antibodies), through transfusions with infected blood. Environment: HIV does not survive well in the environment outside of the body. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that the disease can be transmitted through contact with the environment, such as public toilet seats. Kissing: Casual contact through closed–mouth or "social" kissing does not put an individual at risk for HIV. However, there is the potential for blood contact with open–mouth kissing. The risk for acquiring the virus from open–mouth kissing is low, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has only investigated one case in which HIV infection may be attributed to blood contact during open–mouth kissing. The CDC recommends that individuals avoid open–mouth kissing with an infected person. Biting: There have been medical reports that found that HIV transmission resulted after a human bite. Severe trauma and extensive tissue tearing were reported in each of these cases. However, biting is not a common way of transmitting the disease. Saliva, tears, and sweat: HIV has been found in saliva and tears in very low quantities and concentrations in some AIDS patients. However, a small amount of HIV in body fluid does not necessarily mean that that fluid can transmit the virus. Contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in transmission of HIV. Insects: According to numerous studies, there is no evidence to suggest that HIV has been transmitted through insects, even in areas that have high numbers of AIDS patients and mosquito populations. HIV can only live for a short time inside an insect and does not reproduce inside insects. Effectiveness of condoms: If the condom is used properly during sexual intercourse, an individual can greatly reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting STDs, including HIV. Several studies show that using condoms correctly and consistently can reduce the breakage rates of latex condoms to less than two percent. There are many types and brands of condoms, but only latex or polyurethane condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV transmission. According to the CDC, natural membrane condoms (such as lambskin) have natural pores and can possibly transmit diseases. Therefore, lambskin condoms should not be used to reduce the risk of HIV.
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