Does saliva transmit AIDS?
Mar 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
AIDS is generally not transmitted through saliva, but mainly through breast milk, blood, semen, etc. Everyday contact such as kissing and sharing meals usually does not transmit AIDS, because the human immunodeficiency virus quickly becomes inactive outside the body and no longer possesses infectivity. However, to reduce the risk of infection, high-risk behaviors should be avoided, and regular self-monitoring is necessary.
Generally speaking, AIDS cannot be transmitted through saliva. The detailed explanation is as follows:
AIDS is a contagious disease caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus can be transmitted through breast milk, blood, semen, and vaginal secretions, but it cannot be transmitted through saliva. Therefore, ordinary kissing, sharing food, or using the same tableware typically does not lead to HIV infection. Moreover, HIV becomes inactive very quickly once it leaves the human body, thus losing its infectivity.
However, to reduce the risk of contracting AIDS, one should generally avoid high-risk behaviors, such as engaging in sexual activity with an AIDS patient or coming into contact with medical instruments like needles previously used by an AIDS patient. Additionally, if diagnosed with AIDS, breastfeeding should be avoided to prevent transmission to infants through breast milk. Furthermore, it is also advisable to avoid public places such as KTVs and swimming pools as much as possible.
It should be noted that although saliva does not transmit AIDS, maintaining a certain distance from patients is still necessary. At the same time, one should regularly monitor their own health condition to enable timely and targeted interventions.
