How do I prevent myself from getting HIV?
Everyone is at risk of getting HIV. Preventing infection is very important. Antiretroviral medicines (ARV’s) are now available to prolong life, but there is still no cure for AIDS.
You can protect yourself and your loved ones from getting HIV in the following ways:
- Abstain:Not having sex is the safest way to prevent infection
Be faithful: Having more than one partner puts you a greater risk ofgetting infected - Condomise:Make sure that you use a condom every time you havesex
- Treat all STI’s:Having an Sexually Transmitted Infection can increaseyour risk of getting HIV as the virus can enter your bodymore easily
- Know your status:Ensure you know your status to prevent further spreading and infection
- Never share needles:Drugs are harmful and should be avoided, but ifsomeone does choose to inject drugs can avoid HIVinfection by using clean needles and syringes each time
- Don’t share toothbrushesorrazorblades: HIV can be passed through toothbrushes by soresoropenings in the mouth. Never share razorblades as HIVis passed through infected blood.
- Take precautionsif handling blood: When helping someone who is injured, always use latex gloves to prevent contact with blood.