For several reasons, people who have other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as herpes, syphilis, or gonorrhea, are at a much greater risk of transmitting HIV. First, patients with other STDs have by definition been practicing unsafe sex, and are therefore much more likely to have been infected by HIV. Second, transmission of HIV is much more frequent (perhaps as much as 10 to 100 times more frequent) if genital skin is broken down by ulcerations or inflammation caused by other STDs.

While HIV transmission is known to occur via contact with blood, semen, or vaginal secretions, other bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, and tears, have never been shown to be capable of transmitting the virus. Although HIV can be found at low levels in the saliva of some patients with the infection, there appear to be inhibitors of the virus in saliva, and therefore the risk of transmission is estimated to be exceedingly small. There has never been a confirmed case of HIV transmission via a kiss.

How Can I Protect Myself?
This one is easy to answer. Abstaining from both sex and intravenous drugs is by far the most effective way to protect yourself from contracting HIV.

If you're not going to practice abstinence, use condoms if you are sexually active. Don't risk your life and the life of your sexual partner because you were too "cool" to take the time to put on a condom. A birth control pill can protect you from getting pregnant, but won't do a thing to keep you safe from STDs and HIV. HIV infection is unusual among lethal diseases in that you have the power to keep yourself from getting it. If you are going to have sex, use a barrier protection.