AIDS is an emotionally-charged disease because it can be associated with lifestyles not accepted by all individuals, it brings with it the realistic concern of premature death, and because family members and other close contacts of infected persons often fear catching the disease. Fortunately, there is ample evidence supporting the view that people in close, but non-sexual, contact with these persons do not appear to be at increased risk. People are at increased risk, however, if they come in contact with blood, share a needle with, or are born to or breast fed by an HIV-infected person. Intravenous-drug users and previously persons receiving blood transfusions can be exposed to the virus through infected blood or blood products. However, spread of the virus from contaminated transfusions in North America has been virtually eliminated since testing of donated blood for the virus began in the mid-1980s.
Sexual transmission is mainly the result of exposure to infected sexual secretions.
Both women and men can transmit the virus sexually. The virus has been detected in semen, vaginal secretions, tears, and saliva, but exposure to saliva has not been shown to transmit the infection. Certain sexual practices increase the risk of exposure among homosexual and bisexual men. As the HIV infection spreads through the heterosexual population there is increasing concern for women who engage in vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse with high-risk partners. Also, heterosexual intercourse with many partners increases the risk of exposure.