What Do You Know About HIV/AIDS?

Currently, no vaccine is available for HIV. Protect yourself by:

• Not having sex
• Staying in a sexual relationship with just one person (monogamous)
• Using a latex condom when you do have sex
• Taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) or PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) if you had unprotected sex with someone with HIV at high risk for HIV.

Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) every day if you are HIV negative and at risk for HIV. Risk factors include a look back into your sexual history over the last 6 months. If in the past 6 months, you have had unprotected vaginal or anal sex, if your partner is HIV-positive or may be HIV-positive, or if you yourself have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI), talk with your healthcare provider about PrEP.

• Getting checked for and treated for any other STIs you might have. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• If you are having sex with someone who is living with HIV, making sure that they are taking their HIV medicines and their virus is "undetectable" for at least 6 months straight

Drug users must not share needles and syringes. They should not expose themselves to the blood of others. Remember, a person can be HIV-positive and not have symptoms. Have yourself tested to learn your status. Before you have sex with a new partner, ask the person about his or her HIV status. Ask when the person was last tested. Birth control pills and spermicides don’t protect you from getting HIV.