A: For HIV to be passed on, bodily fluids containing the virus (semen, vaginal fluids or blood) must pass from an infected person into the blood stream of another person. This can occur through:-

• Unprotected sex where one partner is HIV positive

• The use of an infected needle or syringe

• An HIV positive mother to her baby, during pregnancy, childbirth and sometimes breastfeeding

• Blood transfusion or organ transplant from infected sources You cannot tell simply from looking at someone whether they have HIV – they need to have a proper blood test. In fact you can look and feel healthy and yet have it; you can be a monogamous heterosexual person and have it; you can be a committed family person and have it – which makes it such a nasty killer. Practice safe sex (using condoms and a healthy faithful partner) and go for an annual blood screening.

Play Safe!