Contracting HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is something that you can prevent. According to the CDC, HIV is spread through sexual contact with someone who is infected, sharing needles for injecting drugs with someone who is infected, or during labor or through breastfeeding. It reports that in 2006, an estimated 56,300 new HIV infections occurred.
Abstinence and Safe Sex
Abstinence is one way to prevent HIV transmission. Waiting until you are in a monogamous relationship with someone who is not HIV infected is the best way of ensuring you do not get infected with HIV. If you are sexually active, you should limit the number of partners you have, know their sexual history and use latex condoms and dental dams properly and consistently during vaginal, oral or anal sex.
Don't Share Needles
Using illicit injectable drugs is dangerous; it can impair your decision-making ability, which can lead to risky behavior. Those who use illegal drugs should use clean needles, meaning needles that have not been used by anyone else. Dirty needles can transfer HIV from one user to another.
Get Tested
If you have put yourself at risk for HIV infection, you should get tested. This is one of the best way of preventing the spread of HIV to someone else, because you can be more informed about your status and change your behavior. In addition, if you are infected, you can be monitored by your doctor and get treatment if necessary in order to prevent the progression to AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus.
Special Considerations for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant and have put yourself at risk, you should get tested. This will give your doctor a chance to try to prevent the transmission of HIV to your baby during labor. Since HIV can also be spread through breast milk, your doctor will most likely recommend you do not breastfeed if you have HIV, unless you live in a country where formula is not available.
Special Considerations for Health Care Workers
In health care settings, HIV transmission can occur via needle stick injury or through an injury with a contaminated instrument. It is important that health care workers adhere to universal precautions regarding the using the proper protective equipment and safe sharp disposal. If an injury like this occurs, post exposure testing and medical prophylaxis should be initiated if necessary.
