<s>[INST] How is HIV transmitted? [/INST] In order to cause infection, the HIV virus has to somehow enter a person’s bloodstream. It can enter through a tiny tear in the skin or through a mucous membrane like the eyes, mouth, vagina or rectum.

HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person that involves contact with blood, semen, vaginal fluid or other body fluid containing blood cells. Having another sexually transmitted disease (STD) can make it easier to get HIV. Having HIV can make it easier to get another STD.
Persons sharing needles for injecting drugs can transmit HIV from one person to another.
A person may get HIV by receiving a body-piercing or tattoo from equipment that is not properly cleaned and sterilized.
An HIV-infected woman can transmit HIV to her baby during pregnancy and childbirth, and through breastfeeding.
HIV can also be transmitted through receiving HIV-infected blood or tissue, such as a blood transfusion or an organ transplant. This type of transmission is very rare in the U.S. today, due to improved HIV testing and screening requirements. Source: FLORIDA HEALTH. Link: https://escambia.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-health/hiv-aids/faq/index.html . Field: Infectious Disease. Disease: HIV </s>