Menu
AIDS / HIV Transmission Directory
HIV is transmitted when an infected person's bodily fluids enter another person's body. This usually happens through sex or drug use. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during birth. Blood transfusions have an extremely small risk of transmitting HIV and are considered safe. HIV damages the immune system and hinders the body's ability to fight infections. HIV becomes AIDS when a person's CD4 T-cell count is below 200, but many people can live long lives with HIV. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how HIV and AIDS are transmitted, how to prevent transmission, and much more.
Medical Reference
Intersection of Drug Use and Sexual HIV Transmission Points to Need for HIV Prevention
Read this article for information about the connection between injection drug use and sexual HIV transmission, as well as a discussion about prevention.
What You Need to Know About HIV and AIDS
Get the basic facts: what it does to your immune system and body, how you can get it, how you know you have it, and what you can do about it.
Understanding Prevention of HIV
You may be worried about your risk for getting HIV, but there are many things you can do to take control. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
HIV Symptoms
HIV infection happens in three stages. Without treatment, it will get worse over time and eventually overwhelm your immune system.
Features
Condoms: A Virtual Orgy of Sizes, Shapes, and Tastes
Condoms: An overview of sizes, shapes, textures, tastes, and effectiveness; and 10 tips for getting the best protection from them.
Living Longer and Aging With HIV
Although HIV makes it more complicated, you can live well into middle age and beyond. Find out how HIV will affect you as you get older and how to plan ahead.
HIV and Pregnancy
With planning, medications and quick action, it is possible to be HIV positive and have a healthy baby.
Sexual Relationships When You're HIV-Positive
HIV doesn't have to come between you. Get tips for good sex and a healthy relationship with your partner when one (or both) of you is HIV-positive.
Video
Slideshows & Images
A Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
A historical overview of the AIDS pandemic from the first human case to the present.
Living With HIV and AIDS: Myths and Facts
From treatment options to information on symptoms, see what's fact and what's fiction when it comes to HIV and AIDS.
Slideshow: What It’s Like to Live With HIV/AIDS: Myths and Facts