How to prevent HIV infection?

Condoms provide the most effective means of preventing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during sexual intercourse. But to be effective, condoms must be used correctly and must be applied onto the penis prior to any oral, vaginal, or anal contact.

It is best that you confirm the HIV status of your partner before entering into a physical relation with him/her. Avoid sex with multiple partners.

Dental dams are rectangular squares of latex and are used during oral sex, both oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex. During oral sex, latex dams are stretched across your partner's genitals to prevent your tongue from touching your partner's bodily secretions.

Talk to your partner about past and present sexual history. Do not have sex with anyone who refuses to disclose information about their sexual status.

It is best to have a monogamous, long-term relationship with a partner whom you know well, who has been tested and found to be free from HIV.

Under no circumstances share your personal items like shaving razors and blades with anyone.

If either you or your partner or both of you are infected with HIV, always use a latex condom to prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STDs).

Do not abuse alcohol or drugs. Being drunk may lead to reckless sexual behaviour, making you vulnerable to HIV and other STDs.

Refraining from sexual activity is the surest way of preventing sexually transmitted HIV infection.

Women who are planning for pregnancy, or are pregnant, should get themselves tested of HIV during pregnancy.

Never use dirty needles or syringes as HIV can also be acquired when infected blood enters the persons' blood by sharing needles.

Get an HIV test done and seek timely treatment if you think you have been exposed to other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia. Infection with these diseases can multiply your risk of contracting HIV.

Get the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. People with recurrent infections are more prone to get infected with HIV if they enter into an unsafe, casual sexual exposure with partners of unknown HIV status.

Remember the ABCs to protect yourself:

Abstinence or delaying first sex

Being safer by being faithful to one partner or by reducing the number of sexual partners

Correct and consistent use of condoms for sexually active young people, couples in which one partner is HIV-positive, sex workers and their clients, and anyone engaging in sexual activity with partners who may have been at risk of HIV exposure

HIV positive mothers should avoid breast feeding because the virus can be transmitted to the infant though breast milk.