Common Methods of Infection

• Learn about HIV and AIDS and what they are and how you can contract them. HIV cannot be contracted through casual contact. It is contracted through contact with bodily fluids like semen and the blood of infected individuals. Common methods of contracting the virus are through unprotected sex and sharing infected needles and syringes. Infants exposed to the HIV virus during birth or breast feeding can also acquire the disease.
  
  

Prevention

• Avoid unprotected sexual contact with multiple individuals. Get to know the person you're dating before engaging in sexual activity. Protect yourself and ask your prospective partner to get tested before you commit to a sexual relationship. If you are sexually active, always use protection such as latex condoms. Condoms should always be inspected for any signs of tears or damage caused by heat. Wrappers should be checked for tears and should be opened carefully, not using fingernails or teeth. Even a nearly invisible hole in a condom negates the protection level of that condom, so take the time to check. Female condoms are available from some manufacturers and can be placed in the vagina up to eight hours before sex.
  
  Get tested for the HIV virus, which is the precursor to AIDS. Individuals who have more than one sexual partner should get tested at least once a year. Positive screening results for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as genital herpes increase the chances of becoming infected with HIV.
  
  Health care professionals should always use universal precautions such as wearing gloves when drawing blood or when they bathe, or come in contact with body fluids from, an HIV-positive or AIDS patient. Medical staff should be extra diligent against needle pricks when giving injections or performing care on IV sites.
  
  Drug users should take precautions against HIV or AIDS infection by using only clean needles and syringes, always taking care not to expose themselves or others to another's blood. Clean injection sites with alcohol prior to injection, and always use clean, sterile equipment and accessories. Better yet, quit.
  
  

ABCs

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend "Abstinence, Be faithful and Condoms" to help prevent the spread of HIV or AIDS. Latex condoms are known to be effective in the prevention and spread of HIV and have been verified by laboratory tests and studies. Lambskin or natural-type condoms don't offer the same level of protection as latex. However, not having sex is the best way to protect oneself against contracting HIV and AIDS. Limiting sexual partners is also effective. The fewer the partners, the lower the possibility of infection.