There’s a widespread belief that HIV can be transmitted via saliva. But how accurate is this notion? Can HIV actually be spread through saliva?
The short answer is NO. If you’re interested in a more in-depth explanation, keep reading.
Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Saliva?
You cannot contract HIV from someone’s saliva. Research has consistently shown that HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva, unlike other bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.
Even though HIV can be detected in saliva, kissing does not pose a risk for transmission because saliva contains antibodies and enzymes that neutralize the virus, preventing it from infecting new cells.
Only about 1% to 5% of individuals with HIV have detectable levels of the virus in their saliva. Most HIV transmissions occur through unprotected sexual activity and the sharing of contaminated needles. Early studies on saliva and HIV transmission support this conclusion.
The virus is primarily spread through vaginal or anal intercourse. Direct contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive person does not pose a transmission risk. Thus, it’s important to dispel other common myths about HIV – you cannot contract HIV from kissing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, sneezing, sharing utensils or bath towels, or swimming in the same pool.