HIV is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact but is also contracted through blood. In the latter case, HIV enters the bloodstream in the lymphocytes by direct inoculation into the bloodstream, usually from a blood transfusion or sharing needles (often related to drug use).  More commonly, however, it is transmitted sexually through the mucosal areas in either the rectum or vaginal cervical tissue.

How do I know if I have HIV?

What are the symptoms of HIV?