Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was established to be the cause of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1983. Ever since then, a lot of research has been conducted and a great deal of information has been generated regarding the ways HIV can be transmitted from one person to another.
The problem with much of the information about HIV transmission, especially on the World Wide Web, is that it speaks in very general terms. All too often, there is a lot of conflicting information as well. For example, some sources refer to oral sex as "risky," whereas others say "low risk" or "no risk." This can be very frustrating and it also leads to the spread of misinformation about the transmission of HIV.
HIV infection – and HIV testing – is a medical issue. We have developed this lesson to provide straightforward and accurate information regarding HIV transmission. However, it is important to stress that this lesson – and other sources of HIV information on the World Wide Web – should not be consulted as an alternative to medical care and testing. If you fear that you have been exposed to HIV – regardless of how low the perceived risk and no matter how much information you find on the World Wide Web – you need to get in touch with your healthcare provider or an HIV testing center.
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