HIV PREVENTION

The HIV virus is spread in sexual fluids and blood.

Because no vaccine for HIV is available, the only way to prevent infection by the virus is to avoid behaviours that put you at risk of infection, such as sharing needles and having unprotected sex.

Many people infected with HIV have no symptoms. Therefore, there is no way of knowing with certainty whether your sexual partner is infected unless he or she has repeatedly tested negative for the virus and has not engaged in any risky behaviour.

You should either abstain from having sex or use male latex condoms or female polyurethane condoms, which may offer partial protection, during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Only water-based lubricants should be used with male latex condoms.