H I V AND A I D S

09 What can I do to keep HIV away ?

Ask Yourself;

Do I have any habit that increase the risk of HIV infection.
How sure can I be of my sexual partner ?
Could he/she have had sex with someone who has been infected.
Could my sexual partner have had a partner who used IV drugs ?
Has my sexual partner received blood transfusion recently ?

Because your questions may not be easily answered...you will have to make a choice. You can practice such behaviors which do not allow HIV infection to be transmitted.

IF YOU ARE A SEXUALLY ACTIVE PERSON REVIEW YOUR SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR.

The only sure way to avoid getting HIV (through sex) is:

IF UNMARRIED:

Avoid sex till you get married.
If sexual active, non-penetrative sex is the only guarantee of no risk, so explore alternative ways of "Safe Sex" such as massaging, caressing, kissing or mutual masturbation.
If you have a sex, limit to only one faithful sexual partner to reduce your chance of being exposed to HIV.
Do not forget to use a new condom properly every time you have sex from START to FINISH.

IF MARRIED:

The only sure way to avoid getting HIV (through sex) is to have sex with one partner for life and to be loyal with him or her.
If you must have sex with anyone other than your faithful partner you are at risk of catching HIV. To reduce this risk, use a new condom properly and carefully everyone you have sex.
Both men and women should take responsibility for using condoms even if another form of birth control is used.

Practising low risk behaviour is gateway to HIV free life.