What fluids transmit HIV?

Only certain bodily fluids—blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk—from a person who has HIV can transmit the virus. These fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane, damaged tissue, or be directly injected into the bloodstream (from a needle or syringe) for transmission to occur. Mucous membranes are found inside the rectum, vagina, penis, and mouth. You cannot transmit HIV through saliva, urine, sweat, or tears.

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