HIV Risk and Prevention

How is HIV spread? HIV is typically spread by having sex or sharing needles and other injection equipment with an individual infected with HIV. Substance use, such as drugs and alcohol, can contribute to these risks as use of these substances can decrease one’s awareness.

A few ways to prevent HIV Include:

  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
  • HIV Treatment as Prevention
  • Protection During Sex
  • Protection during Alcohol & Drug Use
  • Prevent Prenatal Transmission

PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is medicine taken to prevent getting HIV and is highly effective when taken as prescribed.

According to the CDC:

  • PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.
  • PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%.

HIV Treatment as Prevention

Treatment as Prevention is the taking of HIV medicine to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV and is one of the most effective ways for preventing HIV transmission.

Learn more:

HIV.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How to Stay Protected During Sex

  • Use condoms correctly during sex.
  • Choose sexual activities with little to no risk.
  • Take PrEP.
  • Choose not to have sex.
  • Get tested and treated for STIs.

Learn More:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Protection during Alcohol & Drug Use

Substance use can increase risky behavior such as having sex without a condom or sharing needles. These actions can lead to transmission of HIV.

Learn More: 

HIV.gov

Centers for Disease Control

Prevent Prenatal Transmission

To protect your and your baby’s health get tested for HIV as soon as possible. If you are at risk for getting HIV, consider taking PrEP. If you are HIV positive, take medicine to help reduce the amount of HIV in your body (your viral load).

Learn More:

HIV.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention