| Prevention of HIV remains of worldwide importance. Despite much research, there is no vaccine that will prevent HIV infection. Only the avoidance of risky behaviors can prevent HIV infection. Among U.S. teens and adults, HIV transmission is almost always the result of sexual contact with an infected person or sharing contaminated needles. Infection can be prevented by never sharing needles, and abstaining, or not having oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Risk can be substantially reduced by always using latex condoms for all types of sexual intercourse, and avoiding contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk of an infected person.
Avoidance of alcohol and drugs is also key in preventing the spread of HIV — not because a person can get HIV directly from drinking and doing drugs, but because drinking and drug use often leads to risky behaviors that are associated with an increased risk of infection (such as having unprotected sex and sharing needles).
The best way to prevent HIV/AIDS in infancy is to test all pregnant women for the virus. Testing should be done early in the pregnancy, and repeated thoughout the pregnancy as needed. If the test results are positive, treatment can immediately begin (during the pregnancy) to help prevent the baby from being infected with HIV.
The health educator at BCAR can help expectant mothers determine their risk, and can provide free and confidential HIV and Syphilis testing. |