1. Abstain from sex or remain in a mutually exclusive relationship.
2. Get tested so you and your partner know your status.
3. Avoid exchange of body fluids. A latex condom can help.
4. Never share needles.

HIV is transmitted when body fluids from an infected person gets into your body. HIV may be transmitted through:

1. blood
2. semen
3. vaginal fluid
4. breast milk

1. HIV attacks the cells in your body that protect you from illness.

2. AIDS is the sixth leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year-olds.

3. AIDS is the third leading cause of death among women 25-44 years old.

4. AIDS is the number one cause of death among men 25 to 44 years old.

5. You can be infected with HIV for 10 years or more without having any symptoms.

6. Use a water-based lubricant (available in drug stores) with the condom.

7. Never use an oil-based lubricant such as hand lotion or baby oil.
It weakens the latex and the condom will break.

8. Use a condom for oral sex (try the flavored varieties).

9. Use a latex barrier (a condom cut in half or a dental dam) if you have oral sex/vaginal or anal.

10. Drinking alcohol increases your risk of unsafe sex.

The HIV antibody test detects the presence of antibodies to the HIV virus by using a simple blood test. The test does not tell if you have AIDS; it does show if you have been infected with the virus which can cause AIDS. The test results are available in five to seven days.

Even though it's hard to bring up the subject of safer sex, do it!

Your life depends on practicing only safer sex.

No person, no act of sex--no matter how spontaneous, beautiful or wonderful--is worth taking the risk of getting HIV.

Here are some ways to protect yourself from HIV. These guidelines are called "safer sex."

Don't allow any of your partner's body fluids to enter your body. HIV is passed in certain body fluids. These include semen, blood, menstrual blood or vaginal secretions. These fluids can enter through the vagina, the anus, the mouth and any cut or open sore.

Always use a latex condom with a water-based lubricant for vaginal, anal and oral sex. Both men and women should carry condoms and insist that they be used.

Don't use oil-based lubricants. Hand creams, massage oils, Vaseline, etc., can cause the condom to leak or break.

Don't have sex when you're drunk or high. Drinking alcohol or using other drugs makes it harder to follow safer sex guidelines.

Learn as much as you can about HIV and safer sex. The more you know, the easier it will be to talk about it. And the more you know, the more determined you'll be to have only safer sex.

Figure out how you want to start the talk. Here are some possible ways to begin:

"I need to talk to you about something that's important to both of us. It's hard for me and I feel embarrassed, but I think we need to talk about HIV and safer sex."

"Have you been hearing about HIV and AIDS? It's really scary isn't it? What do you think people should do about it?"

I'm worried about HIV. What do you think we should do to protect ourselves?"

Plan what you want to say. Sort out your feelings and fears before you begin.

Decide when to bring up the subject. It may be easier to talk when you're not feeling romantic and ready to make love.

Don't expect to talk only once. It's important to keep communicating about this important topic.

Be clear in your own mind about what you will and won't do sexually. If you're clear, it's easier to talk about it.

Give your partner time to think about what you've said. There are lots of myths and fears about HIV--your partner may need some time to adjust.

Keep your sense of humor. Yes HIV is serious. But being able to laugh and joke may help you both feel more comfortable.

Pay attention to your partner's response. If he or she seems to be having trouble with what you're saying, slow down. Wait awhile.

If your partner resists safer sex, then maybe you need to think more carefully about the relationship. Is this really someone you want to have sex with?

Watch out for situations that make it hard to talk about and practice safer sex. Be careful of romantic times when you don't have latex condoms.