A prevalent misconception is that HIV can be transmitted through saliva. But is this really the case? Can HIV be spread via saliva?
The brief response is NO. For a more detailed explanation, continue reading.
Is HIV Transmissible Through Saliva?
You cannot contract HIV through a person’s saliva. Studies have shown that HIV cannot be spread through saliva, although it can be transmitted via other bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.
Although HIV can be present in saliva, it cannot be transferred through kissing due to the presence of antibodies and enzymes in saliva that inhibit the virus from infecting new cells.
Only about 1% to 5% of people with HIV have the virus detectable in their saliva. The majority of HIV transmissions occur through unprotected sexual intercourse and the sharing of contaminated needles. Early research regarding saliva and HIV transmission reinforces this understanding.
The virus most commonly spreads through vaginal or anal intercourse. Direct contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive individual is not a risk for transmission. Therefore, it’s time to debunk other common HIV myths – you cannot contract HIV from kissing, performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, sneezing, sharing eating utensils or bath towels, or swimming in the same pool.