Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Download PDF, 656KB, PDF HIV attacks your body's immune system and destroys your white blood cells. With a weakened immune system, you become more prone to infections and diseases. HIV spreads when you have: Unprotected sex with an infected person who is not on treatment and has a large amount of HIV particles in their body, and being in contact with infected bodily fluids (e.g. semen)Transfusion of infected bloodContact with infected blood through the sharing of piercing instruments (e.g. needles)Mother-to-child during pregnancy and via breastfeeding Read on to find out about the symptoms and how you can protect yourself against HIV. [Please download the PDF file if you are unable to view the image below.]