How To

How to Protect Yourself From HIV and AIDS

By Jeannie Kerns, eHow Editor
Imagine a World Without AIDS
Imagine a World Without AIDS
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2003 over one million people were living with HIV/AIDS, with over 35,000 new cases in 2006. There are many different ways to protect yourself and others from getting this life-taking disease.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Latex gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Condoms
  • New syringes or needles
  • HIV/AIDS brochures
  1. Step 1

    Get as much information as possible on HIV/AIDS. Do not assume you are correct when protecting yourself against the HIV/AIDS virus. There are many misleading articles, so get as many factual brochures about HIV/AIDS as you can.

  2. Step 2
    Always make sure you and your partners are tested.
    Always make sure you and your partners are tested.

    Make sure your partners are not infected if you are sexually active with one or more partners. If they are not sure, do not have any sexual contact with them until they have been tested. There is nothing wrong with asking for a clean bill of health. Remember, you have to think of whom you're sleeping with, whom they have slept with and so on. To be tested, call your local health department for a list of clinics where HIV testing is available.

  3. Step 3
    Always use a condom.
    Always use a condom.

    Always have condoms on hand, whether you're a woman or a man. It is both parties' responsibility. If you cannot afford condoms, go to your local hospital or clinic, and they will be more than happy to give you free condoms. Never have sexual intercourse with anyone unless you are using a condom. No condom, no sex, no excuses, period!

  4. Step 4
    Never share needles.
    Never share needles.

    Try and get help to stop using if you are a drug user and you use needles. If you are unable to stop immediately, never share needles or syringes with anyone.

  5. Step 5
    Stay away from alcohol and drugs, which impair your judgement.
    Stay away from alcohol and drugs, which impair your judgement.

    Remember that drinking and doing drugs impairs your judgment, and you may forget to wear or ask someone to wear a condom while having sex. Avoid any excess alcohol, and stay away from drugs altogether.

Tips & Warnings
  • There are only a few ways that you can contract HIV/AIDS virus: blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. You cannot get the HIV virus from saliva. You cannot get the HIV virus from kissing. You cannot get the HIV virus from sitting on a toilet. You cannot get the HIV virus from sharing silverware.
  • The total number of persons living with AIDS is estimated to be 33.4 million.
Photo Credit

TheBody.com

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