PREVENTION

How much do you know about HIV and AIDS? Click on this link to find out:

HIV can be prevented – here’s how you can help prevent the spread HIV and AIDS:

• Abstinence - Abstain from sex (do not have oral, anal, or vaginal sex) until you are in a relationship with only one person, are having sex with only each other, and each of you knows the other’s HIV status.
  
  
  • If both you and your partner have HIV, use condoms to prevent other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and possible infection with a different strain of HIV.
     
  • If only one of you has HIV, use a latex condom and lubricant every time you have sex.

If you choose to be sexually active:

• Get tested for HIV - if you are sexually active, you should be tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
  
  
  • If you are a man who has had sex with other men, get tested at least once a year.
     
  • If you are a woman who is planning to get pregnant or who is pregnant, get tested as soon as possible, before you have your baby.
     
• Talk about HIV and other STDs with each partner before you have sex.
   
• Learn as much as you can about each partner’s past behavior (sex and drug use), and consider the risks to your health before you have sex.
   
• Ask your partners if they have recently been tested for HIV; encourage those who have not been tested to do so.
   
• Use a latex condom and lubricant with each partner, every time that you have sex.
   
• If you think you may have been exposed to another STD such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or Chlamydia trachomatis infection, get treatment. These diseases can increase your risk of getting HIV.

Don’t be afraid to talk with your partner about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. It’s an important step in protecting yourself and protecting your partner.

Don’t leave it up to chance, take control. Get Real. Get Tested.