Are you at risk for HIV and AIDS?

Nov 27, 2012 11:08 AM by Sarah Kelsey

Posted in Health & Wellness / Women's Health / Conditions

HIV/AIDS Facts
& Prevention

World AIDS Day is December 1, but every day is an opportunity to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. The statistics on HIV are as shocking as ever. One in five people living with HIV have no clue they’re infected. More than 20 percent of people who don’t know they’re infected are responsible for 70 percent of new HIV cases. Understanding the disease and protecting yourself from HIV and AIDS are more important than ever. Here’s more on modes of HIV transmission, questions to ask yourself to see if you are at risk, and ways to prevent getting HIV and AIDS.

(page 2 of 2)

Pensive woman

Reduce your risk of HIV and AIDS

Here are several ways to reduce your risk of HIV infection and developing AIDS.

Always use condoms

Although no form of protection is 100 percent effective in preventing the spread of HIV, wearing a condom during vaginal, anal or oral sex goes a long way. To prevent condom breakage, consider using a water-based lubricant.

Watch the needles

Never share needles or other drug equipment. When getting a tattoo or piercing, ensure the equipment being used is sterilized.

Take precautions

If you work in a health care facility or may be exposed to the virus because of the work you do, take precautions — like wearing gloves and handling needles with care — to protect yourself.

Get tested

One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is to take control of your health and to speak with your doctor about your sexual history. An HIV/AIDS blood test let you know whether you're "clean" (and then you can stay that way).

Stay educated

Research information on the internet from reputable and/or government-originated HIV/AIDS organizations about the virus and how you can prevent it.

Note

If you're pregnant and may have the virus, speak with your doctor and get tested. Several drugs can now be taken during pregnancy to prevent transmission from mother to fetus. Ask your doctor about these and other options.

Get involved

Join campaigns, like the one recently launched by LifeStyles Condoms, to spread the word about HIV transmission and protection. Check their campaign out on Facebook and Twitter.

More on HIV and AIDS

Celeb bikers join Kiehl’s for 1,800 mile ride for AIDS research
Lend your voice to fight AIDS
Elton John: AIDS should have put me six feet under too

« Previous

Tags: aids health and wellness sexual health women's health world aids day

The opinions expressed in this article are of the author and the author alone. They do not reflect the opinions of SheKnows, LLC or any of its affiliates and they have not been reviewed by an expert in a related field or any member of the SheKnows editorial staff for accuracy, balance or objectivity. Content and other information presented on the Site are not a substitute for professional advice, counseling, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical or mental health advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on SheKnows. SheKnows does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.