There are a lot of misconceptions about HIV. One of the most common use to be that any contact with someone who has been diagnosed with HIV can give it to you. Luckily, this thought process has faded some with knowledge, but it is still a scary topic to broach. Therefore, it is a big deal to talk to patients about HIV prevention and encourage them to stay safe.

Prevention

HIV is only spread through contact with blood, vaginal fluids, semen, or breast milk. The easiest and most certain preventative measure that you can take is to avoid contact with these fluids unless you know that your partner is HIV free. Condoms are second best to abstinence. If you are not willing to abstain from sexual activities, condoms can protect you. There is also a pill that is called PrEP, which can lessen your chances of getting HIV by up to 90%, even if you are in a sexual relationship with someone who has tested positive for HIV.

Risk Factors

There are some safe sex things that you can try if you want to enjoy sex and not practice abstinence. No one has ever caught HIV by rubbing bodies together, mutual masturbation, oral sex with condoms or dental dams, etc. If you stay safe and avoid fluids, you have no risk of getting sick. People should also be aware that if your partner has mouth sores, you can get sick through deep kisses. Therefore, if you have a mouth sore, save the kisses for a better time. Blood and fluids are the issue. Having sex or sharing needles is always a bad idea if you are not sure your partner or yourself is HIV-free.