HIV, also known as the human immunodeficiency virus, is a crippling and devastating medical condition in which your immune system no longer fights against infection. Specifically, this virus destroys the white blood cells (fighter cells) in your body called CD4 cells. When your CD4 cells reach a level of 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, your HIV is at its latest stage. Suddenly, treatable ailments like pneumonia can prove fatal if you have HIV. According to the Mayo Clinic, 39.5 million people in the world suffer from the HIV infection. There are specific steps to avoid getting HIV.
Step 1
Use plastic or latex condoms each time you engage in sexual intercourse. HIV is passed through bodily fluid so using such a device can prevent transmission. Avoid using lambskin condoms as the Mayo Clinic states they do not prevent HIV transmission. Be aware that condoms can break so they are not 100 percent effective.
Step 2
Abstain from sexual intercourse until you are in a monogamous relationship. Having multiple sexual partners increases your chance of contracting HIV. If you and your partner have had multiple sexual partners in the past, both of you should get an HIV test to know your status.
Step 3
Get a circumcision if you are male. The Mayo Clinic states that male circumcision decreases a man's chances for contracting HIV by 53 percent in a Kenyan study performed under the National Institutes of Health.
Step 4
Use a clean needle when injecting yourself with medication. Avoid sharing needles. Dirty needles and sharing needles increase your risk of injecting yourself with HIV-infected blood.
Step 5
Avoid sexual intercourse when you are under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and you may engage in unprotected sexual intercourse.
Step 6
Test all blood for HIV before receiving a blood transfusion. The Centers for Disease Control states that most blood transfusions in the United States are safe. But certain countries outside the United States do not test its blood for HIV.
Things You'll Need
- Latex or plastic condoms
