How can I protect myself from getting HIV?

Your chance of becoming infected with HIV can be reduced by avoiding high-risk behavior.  Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent getting HIV through sex.  Your risk of HIV from sex is low if you are in a long-term monogamous relationship with an uninfected person, the risk of HIV is also reduced by having safer sex.  Safe sex is sex, which avoids passing blood, semen, or vaginal fluids between people.  Persons who use IV drugs can reduce their risk by using clean works and not sharing needles, drugs, or other paraphernalia.

To reduce your risk:

• Use a latex or polyurethane condom during every sex act.
  • See our How to use a Condom page.
• Limit your number of sex partners.
• Don’t share needles, IV drugs or paraphernalia.
• Avoid having sex with partners who have risky behaviors.
• Do not get pierced or tattooed with instruments that are not new or sterilized.
• Health care workers should practice standard precautions at all times.