HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. Left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. There is no cure for HIV, but it can be controlled with proper treatment. 

According to End HIV Oregon, our state averages about 200 new HIV cases each year. This is a lower rate compared to other parts of the country.  However, there are still people living in Oregon who have HIV and don’t know it. 

HIV is transmitted by coming into direct contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV, 
who has a detectable viral load. These fluids are:

• Blood
• Semen and pre-seminal fluid
• Rectal fluids
  
• Vaginal fluids
  
• Breast milk
  

In our country, HIV is most spread by:

• Having condomless anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV
• Sharing injection drug equipment (needles, syringes, etc) with someone who has HIV

A less common way of spreading HIV is an HIV-positive person transmitting HIV to their baby 
during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

HIV is not spread by:

• Air or water
• Mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects
• Shaking hands; hugging; sharing toilets; sharing dishes, silverware, or drinking glasses
• Drinking fountains
• Donating blood

To learn more about HIV, visit https://hivalliance.org.

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