If you have HIV – or if you don’t – you need to take steps to prevent spreading HIV.

HIV is transmitted by:

	Having unprotected (sex without a condom) sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) with someone who has HIV.
	Having unprotected oral sex with someone who has HIV. The risk goes up if there is ejaculation in the mouth. The risk rises still higher if either partner has cuts or sores in the mouth from recent tooth brushing, bleeding gums, canker sores or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
	Sharing needles or syringes with someone who is HIV infected.
	Sharing needles, syringes or drug works with someone infected with HIV.
	Pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding if the mother has HIV infection.

To keep from getting HIV:

	Use latex condoms. Proper, consistent use of a latex condom can prevent transmission of HIV 80 to 95% of the time. Condoms can also help reduce the risk of acquiring some other STDs. Learn more about proper condom use by here.
	Use plastic wrap or dental dams to help prevent HIV-infection during oral and oral-anal sex.
	Use clean needles: if you do use injectible drugs, use a new, clean needle every time.
	Have sober sex. Drug and alcohol-free sex increases you chances of having safer sex.
	Learn more. The more you know about safe sex, your body, condom use, HIV/AIDS and your partner, the better you can protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases.
	Fewer partners, monogamy and abstinence. The fewer sex partners you have, the more you reduce your risk of HIV infection. While sex is a healthy, natural part of life, you may want to wait to have sex until you know the person you are with is someone you truly care about and has your best interest in mind. If they’re not willing to wait, then maybe they weren’t worth the wait. Trust yourself and what you need. It’s your life and your health. Protect it.