Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV continues to remain a major global public health issue, and has claimed an estimated of 42.3 million lives to this date, notes the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite its prevalence, there are many myths associated with the condition. While it is a fact that HIV is spread from body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids, it is not spread through saliva. Why Can't You Spread HIV With Saliva?As per the 1999 study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, titled Why is HIV rarely transmitted by oral secretions? Saliva can disrupt orally shed, infected leukocytes, notes that oral transmission of HIV by the millions of HIV-infected individuals are a rare event. Another 2006 review, published in journal Oral Diseases, titled Oral Transmission of HIV, reality or fiction? An update, notes that HIV and many other viruses can be isolated in blood and body fluids, including saliva, and can be transmitted by genital-genital and especially anal-genital sexual activity. The risk of transmission of HIV via oral sexual practices is very low. Unlike other mucosal areas of the body, the oral cavity appears to be an extremely uncommon transmission route for HIV. Why Saliva Is Not An HIV Carrier?Saliva contains several proteins and enzymes that serve various functions, including beginning the digestion process, assisting in mouth lubrication and fighting off germs. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is an enzyme found in saliva, mucus, and seminal fluid. It helps protect the immune system by preventing HIV from infecting monocytes and T cells, two types of white blood cells.Saliva thus also contain higher levels of SLPI than vaginal and rectal fluids. This could be the reason why HIV does not spread while kissing. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person cannot transmit HIV through saliva or closed-mouth kissing. However, CDC also notes that in extremely rare cases, a person can transmit HIV through “deep, open-mouth kissing if both partners have sores or bleeding gums and blood from the HIV-positive partner gets into the bloodstream of the HIV-negative partner.”Other bodily fluids that do not transmit HIV include sweat and tears. Examples of What Won't Spread HIV?KissingSharing food or drinksUsing the same bathroomsTouching and shaking handsSo, How Does HIV Spread?HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids, particularly when they come into contact with mucous membranes, broken skin, or are directly injected into the bloodstream. Here’s how it can spread:Unprotected sex – HIV can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without the use of protection.Blood transfusions – Though rare today due to rigorous screening, it remains a possible route.Sharing needles – People who use injectable drugs face a high risk if they share needles or syringes.Mother-to-child transmission – The virus can be transmitted during childbirth or through breastfeeding.Certain behaviors and situations can raise the risk of HIV transmission. Being aware of them can help you take effective preventive steps:Unprotected sex – Not using condoms during sexual activity increases the risk.Sharing needles – Using or sharing contaminated needles can transmit the virus.Multiple sexual partners – Having several partners can heighten exposure to HIV.Being born to an HIV-positive mother – The virus can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.