Thank you for the question. The risk of catching HIV is highest if you have multiple sexual partners and practice unprotected sex. The risk of transmission is higher through vaginal and anal sex and is lower with oral sex.
HIV can also be transmitted through blood and blood products. Sharing needles through intravenous drug use carries a high risk. It is also posssible to catch it through contaminated needles from tattooing. For health care workers, there is also a risk of acquiring HIV through needle stick injuries, though the risk is small.
HIV can also spread from mother to child. Blood transfusion with contaminated blood is also a risk factor but all blood for transfusions in Singapore is screened for HIV.
Therefore, do practice safe sex and use condoms to minimize the risk of acquiring HIV infection. Having a monogamous relationship and avoiding multiple sexual partners will certainly minimize the risk.
