AIDS is not a casually transmitted disease. It is not passed on via doorknobs, toilet seats, eating utensils, or even by hugging and dry kissing. The skin is an effective barrier against the AIDS virus. Transmission of the virus occurs almost exclusively by the exchange of certain infected bodily fluids, which are primarily semen and blood, and possibly also saliva and vaginal secretions. The virus is almost never transmitted via blood transfusions, due to the widespread use by hospitals and blood banks of an HIV antibody test.
Infected mothers can give the virus to their children before or during birth.
Preventive knowledge and safe sexual practices are the best alternatives. Condoms should be used for all types of intercourse. Hypodermic needles, razors, and toothbrushes should never be shared. Sexual partners and children of both the initial groups are at high risk. This includes women who have sex with bisexual men.