Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 9/11/2007

Question
Ma'am,

Why do we sometimes read on well-respected HIV Education websites that HIV is 'not easy to catch.' I understand the need for condoms and such, but with respect the transmission rates, is HIV a much more complicated virus than people think? Most of us are under the impression that HIV trasmission is guaranteed if you come into contact with HIV-infected fluid.

A person's immune system plays a large role in whether or not they will be infected. Is it safe to say, then, that a gay man can have HIV+ semen in his anus, yet, his body's defense mechanisms fight and kill the virus???

Thanks.
Domonic

Answer
HIV is NOT easy to catch. But there are things that we know put people at risk. We can never say for sure if someone is going to contract HIV from someone else. It depends on a multitude of factors. And there have been people who have slept with HIV+ people and not become infected themselves. That is not to mean, though, that you should not protect yourself.