Can you catch HIV from kissing?

There are many myths about how HIV is transmitted, and this is one of them. You CANNOT catch HIV from kissing.

There is scientific evidence that the HIV virus is spread through the exchange of bodily fluids, including blood, semen and vaginal fluids. However, there is not enough of the HIV virus in saliva to transmit it through kissing.

How is HIV spread?

The most common way that HIV is spread is through sexual intercourse, including oral, anal and vaginal sex. Using a condom is the best way to prevent HIV spreading from sexual activity. It is always recommended to wear a condom for any sexual encounter that you have.

HIV can also be spread through sharing needles, and it can also pass on to a baby from the mother. However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent this, making mother to daughter transmission rare in the UK.

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