Hematologist & Oncologist Questions Hematologist

HIV modes of transmission?

I have never had oral sex, vaginal sex or anal sex. I have never done drugs. I had a CBC with a differential blood test done and all came back normal. Should I have received an HIV test?

Female | 35 years old

4 Answers

HIV can be transmitted by sexual intercourse and by contaminated blood but not the way you described it. Usually spreads from body fluids of an infected person, including blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids. It isn't spread from kisses, hugs, or sharing food. Most people who get HIV are through Anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needle, other drug injection equipment (drug cooker). Now a days contracting HIV is very low, less than 1%. Thank you.
Infected mother to child; intimate sexual contact, regardless of the partner; accidental exposure ("sharps" or needle-stick injuries such as in healthcare settings). Illicit drug abuse using intravenous drugs, especially with shared needles. Currently, very, very rarely from blood transfusion.
As you must know, HIV infection is transmitted primarily via contact with the body fluids of HIV-infected individuals such as anal secretions, blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions. I must applaud and encourage the persistence of your HIV risk-prevention behavior as it is poorly practiced across many nations of the earth. Sharing this vital risk-prevention information where possible is imperative and strongly encouraged. The CBC test is not the test used to screen for HIV infection. An HIV test must be ordered to determine your HIV status if you have willingly or unwillingly engaged in unprotected sexual activity.


If you have never had a sexual relationship or used intravenous drugs you do not need an HIV test.