Risks & Prevention

• Unprotected anal or vaginal sex
• Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, and other drug injection equipment
• Sharing contaminated sex toys
• Receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions, and tissue transplantation
• Medical procedures using unsterilized equipment
• Accidental needle stick injuries among health workers

The best ways to protect yourself are through avoiding sharing needles or other drug injection equipment, and using condoms correctly during any sexual encounter. Additionally, there are now HIV prevention medicines out there, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Getting tested regularly and knowing your HIV status also empowers you in taking steps to avoid contracting or passing on the virus.

The WHO advises people who are exposed to risk events/activities to get screened at least once a year.

When people with HIV take effective treatment, the amount of the virus in their body fluids decreases to the point where they cannot pass HIV on to their sexual partner(s). PrEP or PEP can also help protect your partner(s) if taken as instructed.

HIV is preventable, and there are numerous ways to reduce your risk. Additionally, early detection can lead to early treatment and better outcomes, allowing individuals with HIV to live long, normal, healthy lives.