HIV infection
Alternative names:
human immunodeficiency virus infection
Prevention:
Do not have sexual contact with persons known or suspected
of being infected with HIV.
Do not have sex with numerous people or with people who have
multiple partners. Do not have sex with prostitutes.
Do not use intravenous
drugs. If IV drugs are used, do not share needles or syringes.
(Boiling or cleaning them with alcohol does not guarantee
sterility.)
Do not have sex with people who use IV drugs.
People with AIDS or who have had positive antibody
tests may pass the disease on to others and should not donate
blood, plasma, body organs, or sperm. They should not exchange
body fluids during sexual activity.
Avoid oral, vaginal, or anal contact with semen.
Avoid anal intercourse, since it causes small abrasions in
the rectal tissues, through which the AIDS virus in an infected
partner's semen may be injected directly into the recipient's
blood.
Avoid oral contact with the anus, and do not engage in the
insertion of fingers or fists into the anus as active or receptive
partner.
Do not allow a partner's urine to enter your mouth, anus,
eyes, or open cuts or sores.
Safer sex behaviors may
reduce the risk of acquiring the infection. There is a risk
of acquiring the infection even if "safe sex" is practiced
with the use of condoms.
Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission
of the virus.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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