How is HIV spread?

The most common way that HIV is spread is sexual activity (anal, vaginal, or oral) with a person living with HIV.  Sharing needles or works with a person living with HIV can also spread the disease.  HIV can also be spread through transfusion of infected blood or blood products, though that risk is very low in the United States.  Mothers with HIV can spread it to their babies before or during birth.  HIV can also be spread through breast milk.  Mothers with HIV should not breastfeed their babies.