How can HIV be prevented?
• Know your HIV status by getting tested.
• Know your partner’s HIV status.
• Limit your number of sex partners. The fewer partners you have, the less likely you are to encounter someone who is infected with HIV or another STD.
• Correct and consistent latex condom use. “Natural” or lambskin condoms do not provide sufficient protection against HIV infection.
• Do not inject drugs. If you inject drugs, you should get counseling and treatment to stop or reduce your
drug use.
• Never share needles for medications or drugs.
• Obtain medical treatment immediately if you think you were exposed to HIV.
• HIV-positive mothers should feed their baby formula instead of their breast-milk.
• Having
an STD can increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV or spreading it to others. So get tested and treated for STD!
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an HIV prevention option for people who don’t have HIV but who are at high
risk of becoming infected with HIV. PrEP involves taking a specific HIV medicine every day. PrEP should always be combined with other prevention options, such as condoms.