Learn effective strategies to prevent HIV transmission, including safe sexual practices, avoiding shared needles, and medical interventions like PrEP and ART. Protect your health with these proven methods.

Proven Methods to Reduce the Risk of HIV Infection

Knowing how HIV spreads is vital for effective prevention. Increased awareness has improved preventive strategies. Here are key points about HIV:

HIV is a virus attacking the immune system and spreads through certain bodily fluids from infected individuals, which makes eradication difficult.

The transmission occurs via blood, vaginal fluids, pre-seminal fluids, semen, and rectal secretions from infected persons.

HIV cannot be transmitted through casual activities like hugging, kissing, or sharing objects such as utensils, doorknobs, or toilets.

Avoid drug injections. When necessary, use sterile needles and equipment for piercings or injections.

Always use condoms during any sexual act—oral, vaginal, or anal—as a reliable way to prevent HIV. Proper usage is especially important with multiple partners.

Reduce the number of sexual partners and ensure both you and your partners undergo STD testing, as co-infections can increase HIV risk.

Having multiple partners increases exposure risk.

Stay informed about how sharing contaminated needles, particularly in regions like the US, can transmit HIV.

Individuals at higher risk should discuss preventive options like PrEP and PEP with healthcare providers to decrease infection chances.

HIV-positive pregnant women should follow medical advice regarding antiretroviral treatments during pregnancy and delivery to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Newborns may also receive medication for several weeks after birth.

Those living with HIV can maintain health and reduce transmission risk through consistent use of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).