AIDS (English Version) - How is HIV transmitted?

HIV/AIDS Basic


How is HIV transmitted?

The three main modes of HIV transmission are:

» Through unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex with an infected partner

» Through sharing needles or injecting material with an infected person

» From mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding

HIV is not infectious through tears, saliva, and sweat.



How do I know if I have HIV/AIDS?

The only way to know if you have HIV/AIDS is to take a HIV Antibody Test, which is painless. Anonymous and confidential HIV Antibody Tests are available for free at government hospitals and clinics, and can also be done at private clinics. Results of the HIV Antibody Test are available in less than two weeks, and some tests can produce results in less than 10 minutes.

For enquiries on anonymous and confidential testing, please call Malaysian AIDS Council at 03-4045 1033.

I have tested positive for HIV, what do I do now?

If you have recently been told that you are HIV+, you may feel scared and confused. Dealing with a positive diagnosis of HIV/AIDS is never easy and you do not have to go through this alone. There are many organsations across Malaysia that provide support and offer free confidential counselling. For details of these organisations, please refer to our map outlining Where We Work.

Treatment is also widely available in Malaysia and HIV+ people can expect to live full and active lives for many years.