How is HIV primarily spread?

HIV is primarily spread through bodily fluids, making this choice the most accurate. The virus is present in fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The primary modes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Understanding the transmission mechanisms is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of certain preventive measures, such as safe sex practices and needle exchange programs, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Other options are related to different types of infection transmission. For example, airborne particles are associated with respiratory viruses, contaminated water could lead to waterborne diseases, and foodborne transmission is related to food safety issues, but none are relevant to the transmission of HIV. Thus, focusing on bodily fluids is essential for recognizing how to effectively prevent and manage the spread of HIV.