What is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) primarily transmitted through?

The primary mode of transmission for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is through direct contact with blood and body fluids. This includes exposure to blood, vaginal fluids, semen, and breast milk of an infected person. Activities that can facilitate this transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Understanding the specific routes of transmission is crucial in the context of first aid and law enforcement, as officers may encounter situations where they need to take precautions to prevent transmission after contact with individuals who could potentially be HIV positive. The focus on direct contact with blood and body fluids highlights the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following universal precautions in scenarios that involve exposure risks.