AIDS / HIV Prevention

Prevention

To prevent becoming infected with HIV:

• Abstain from sex.
• If you do have sex use a male latex condom. This includes any sexual act that results in the exchange of bodily fluids.
• Do not share needles for drug injection.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Avoid sexual partners who are HIV-infected or injection drug users.
• Avoid receiving transfusion of unscreened blood products.
• If you are a healthcare worker:
  • Wear latex gloves and facial masks during all procedures.
  • Carefully handle and properly dispose of needles.
  • Carefully follow universal precautions.
• If you live in a household with an HIV-infected person:
  • Wear latex gloves if handling HIV-infected bodily fluids.
  • Cover all cuts and sores, yours and the HIV-infected person's with bandages.
  • Do not share any personal hygiene items such as razors, toothbrushes, etc.
  • Carefully handle and properly dispose of needles used for medication.

Recent studies found that circumcised men were significantly less likely to develop HIV infection compared to uncircumcised men. *¹

To prevent spreading HIV to others if you are HIV infected:

• Abstain from sex.
• If you do have sex, use a male latex condom. This includes any sexual act that results in the exchange of bodily fluids.
• Inform former or potential sexual partners.
• Do not donate blood or organs.
• Ask your doctor about contraception.
• If you do wish to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. There are ways to lower your baby's risk of being born infected with HIV.
• If you have a baby, do not breastfeed.