How do I get HIV?

HIV can be passed on through condomless sex and/or sharing needles. Condomless anal sex is a higher-risk sexual activity and can lead to getting HIV or passing it to someone else.

Risk is reduced by using condoms and water-based lubricant, knowing your HIV status, using PrEP where available, getting PEP quickly after a possible exposure, and treating HIV so that viral load is suppressed.