Prevention of HIV infection includes:
- Avoid anal intercourse.
- Avoid intercourse with anyone who has oral or genital sores.
- Avoid sexual contact with multiple partners.
- Avoid contact with body fluids from someone who is infected with HIV.
- Do not share personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes.
- Do not use petroleum jelly in the vagina: this can trap viruses.
- Intravenous drug users should never share needles with other drug users.
- Practice safe sex:
- Always use latex condoms.
- Pregnant women with HIV should not smoke.
- Smoking can increase the risk of passing the virus to the unborn child.
- If you have sex with someone who has HIV:
- Seek medication attention, because you may benefit from medications that help prevent infection by HIV.
- Women should not douche immediately after intercourse:
- This weakens the vagina's natural barrier to infection.
Health care workers should take special precautions:
- Blood and body fluid precautions:
- Always wear gloves and a mask during medical procedures.
- Always wear gloves if you are exposed to blood, semen, saliva or stool.
