Which of the following is not a means of transmitting the virus that causes HIV?

• A. Giving a hug to a person with HIV
• B. Sharing needles
• C. Unprotected sex
• D. Blood transfusion (from an infected donor)

Answer: (D)

HIV is transmitted through specific fluids and direct blood exposure, not through casual, non-fluid contact. Hugging someone does not involve exchange of blood or HIV-containing fluids, so it cannot transmit the virus. In contrast, sharing needles puts you in contact with another person’s blood, unprotected sex involves exposure to semen or vaginal fluids, and blood transfusion from an infected donor involves receiving contaminated blood. Modern blood screening greatly reduces but does not entirely remove the risk, while the other routes clearly involve fluids or blood that can carry HIV.