How is HIV prevented?

If a person chooses to have sexual contact, they can protect themselves from getting HIV by: 

• Using condoms (which are proven to be very good at preventing HIV)

• Choosing sexual activities that have a lower risk of passing HIV like oral sex

 

A person who uses needles to inject drugs can protect themselves from getting HIV by:

• Using new, clean syringes (needles) each time they inject drugs

• Using bleach to clean syringes if new, clean ones are not available

• Not having sex while high on drugs (people are more likely to make risky choices while on drugs

 

A pregnant person with HIV can protect their baby from getting HIV by:

• Getting tested to know if they have HIV

• Taking HIV treatment medicine before, during, and after the birth of their baby