Also important is intravnous transmission by shared needles. AIDS is not transmitted by casual contact, fecal-oral or airborne routes or by contaminated food or drinking water. People are at risk of AIDs to the extent that they are exposed to blood and certain bodily fluids. Contact with saliva, tears and sweat has not been shown to result in infection. In general the source of the virus in the body fluids other than blood is lymphocytes.
All body fluids that contain lymphocytes can harbor the virus.
Sweat does not contain lymphocytes. Fresh blood must encounter an open would in order for infection to be spread during routine exercise. Factors included in the evaluation of risk include the type of body fluid with which there may be contact, the volume of fluid to be encountered, the probability of exposure taking place, the probable route of exposure and the virus concentration in the fluid or tissues. All rights reserved. Contact George E. Mattson with questions regarding this web site or to submit articles, photographs, questions and suggestions.