How can you get AIDS?

AIDS is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). You don't "catch" AIDS directly. You catch HIV, and if HIV goes untreated for a long time, it can develop into AIDS.

HIV is mainly passed on through unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who has the virus. It can also be transmitted by sharing needles, or from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

You can't catch HIV from kissing, hugging, sharing food, using the same toilet, or any kind of casual contact. It's transmitted through specific bodily fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

With modern medication, people with HIV can keep the virus under control and live long, healthy lives without ever developing AIDS. Treatment has improved massively, and many people with HIV have an undetectable viral load, which means they can't pass it on.

Using condoms and getting tested regularly are the best ways to protect yourself. If you think you've been exposed to HIV, there's also PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which is emergency medication that can stop the virus if taken within 72 hours.

AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV. You do not catch AIDS directly. You catch HIV, and if it is not treated for a long time, it can turn into AIDS.

HIV is mainly passed on through unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who has it. It can also be passed by sharing needles.

You cannot catch HIV from kissing, hugging, sharing food, or using the same toilet.

With modern medicine, people with HIV take daily tablets and live long, healthy lives. HIV does not have to turn into AIDS.

Using condoms and getting tested are the best ways to protect yourself.