Are you at risk?

Multiple reports from various cities across the U.S. indicate that among HIV positive individuals that knew of their infection, a disturbing percent, ranging from 9-84%, had unprotected sex with HIV-negative and status-unknown partners after learning of their infection.1 Understanding what behaviors put you at risk, and what behaviors put someone else at risk, will help you protect yourself.

• Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, including tattoo and body piercing needles, syringes, cotton, water) with others?
  
  
• Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with men who have sex with men, multiple partners, or anonymous partners?
  
  
• Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?
  
  
• Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or a sexually transmitted disease (STD), like syphilis?
  
  
• Have you received a blood transfusion or clotting factor between 1978 and 1985?

Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can help you find an HIV testing center in your area. Go to http://www.hivtest.org/index.htm to find the nearest testing center, or call;

1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
TTY: 1-888-232-6348
In English, en Espanol
24 Hours/Day

The most effective way to avoid becoming infected with HIV is to abstain from sexual activities in which an exchange of body fluids could occur and never share a needle (intravenous, for tattooing, for body piercing or even acupuncture) with anyone.

If you are going to be sexually active, make sure that you and your partner are tested prior to engaging in any activity that could transmit the virus. Most HIV tests will not detect an infection until three months after infection. This is because screening tests don’t detect the virus itself, but the antibodies that appear in the blood after infection.

Generally, most people will develop enough antibodies for HIV to be detected after three months. Although rare, some people have not tested positive until 6-12 months after exposure. Discuss your concerns with a doctor if you think you or your partner may have been exposed to HIV.

Using a condom greatly decreases the chances of either partner becoming infected. Keep in mind that some behaviors increase the risk of condom or user failure, such as drug and alcohol use and anal sex. Use only non-petroleum based lubricants and avoid condoms with nonoxynol-9 spermicide as it inflames genital surfaces which may increase the chances of HIV transmission if the condom fails.

While female condoms have not been evaluated for their effectiveness in protecting against HIV, theoretically they should have similar effectiveness as male condoms if used properly.

1. Simoni JM, Pantalone DW. Secrets and safety in the age of AIDS: does HIV disclosure lead to safer sex? Top HIV Med 2004;12(4):109-18.