To date there are only four primary methods of transmission:

1. Sexual intercourse (anal and vaginal);
2. Contaminated blood and blood products, tissues and organs;
3. Contaminated needles, syringes and other piercing instruments; and
4. mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)

     Family, friends and co-workers should not fear becoming infected with HIV through casual contact with an HIV infected person at home, at work, or socially. These activities will not transmit the virus:

1.   shaking hands, hugging or kissing
2.   coughing or sneezing
3.   using a public phone
4.   visiting a hospital
5.   opening a door
6.   sharing food, eating or drinking utensils
7.   using drinking fountains
8.   using toilets or showers
9.   using public swimming pools
10. getting a mosquito or insect bite