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  • Choose not to have sex, or make an agreement with a partner who is HIV-negative to be sexually faithful to each other, and stick to it.
  • If you or your partner is HIV-positive, talk with your health care provider about how to reduce your risk, including using latex condoms or dental dams.
  • Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
  • Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
  • Always use a condom for vaginal or anal sex, and barrier methods, such as a condom or dental dam, for oral sex.
  • If you are HIV-positive and are pregnant, see your health care provider to get appropriate treatment. Treatments are available to significantly reduce the risk of passing HIV to your child during pregnancy and delivery.
  • Do not share needles or syringes for any kind of injection drug use.
  • Get tested! Ask partners to do the same.
  • Practice abstinence. Abstinence - having no sex play at all - is 100 percent risk-free when it comes to sexual transmission of HIV. But abstinence isn't for everyone. Sticking with safer sex activities that avoid the exchange of blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, reduces a person's risk of getting HIV.

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 Get the Facts
1 What is HIV?
2 What is AIDS?
3 What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
4 How does someone get HIV?
5 How does someone know if they are infected with HIV?
6 Can you tell if someone has HIV or AIDS by looking at them?
7 Who is at risk for HIV?
8 Is there a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS?
9 Are there treatments and medicines for HIV/AIDS?
10 Is there a link between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
11 What is the risk of HIV and other STD transmission from oral sex?
12 Can I get HIV from casual contact with someone who is infected?
13 How do I reduce my risk and protect myself from HIV?
14 What can I do to help in the fight to end HIV/AIDS?