FACTSHEET: HIV Transmission: An Overview

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV transmission is a complex process. The degree of risk for transmission of HIV in any situation depends on a variety of biological and social risk factors for both partners. This fact sheet addresses some of the biological factors that need to be considered when thinking about HIV transmission and the risk of being infected with HIV.

This is one of a series of fact sheets that review the specific biological factors that make it more or less likely that HIV can be sexually transmitted.