Prepare for the Georgia Virtual School Health Exam. Access a variety of study materials including flashcards and interactive quizzes with detailed hints and explanations for each question. Ace your exam with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


How is HIV most commonly spread?

  1. Through contaminated water

  2. By sexual contact with an infected person

  3. Via casual contact

  4. Through blood transfusions only

The correct answer is: By sexual contact with an infected person

HIV is most commonly spread by sexual contact with an infected person. This transmission occurs during unprotected sexual activities, where bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, and blood can come into contact with mucous membranes found in the genital and rectal areas. While there are other methods of transmission, sexual transmission remains the primary mode of spreading the virus, emphasizing the importance of practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly. Contaminated water and casual contact do not facilitate HIV transmission, and while blood transfusions can pose a risk, they are less common due to stringent screening processes in place to ensure blood safety. Understanding these key transmission pathways is crucial for prevention and awareness in managing HIV risks.