How is HIV NOT spread

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HIV does not live outside the human body for more than a few minutes. It cannot live on its own in the air or in water.

This means you cannot give or get HIV in these ways:

• by touching, kissing, or hugging
• by sharing food
• by sharing a bed
• by sharing or washing clothes, towels, bed covers, latrines, or toilets, if you follow corresponding advice
• by caring for someone with HIV or AIDS, if you follow corresponding advice
• from insect bites

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en011005