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.
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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.
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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.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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