When you have sex, always protect yourself and your partner by using a condom. Proper and consistent use of a condom for vaginal, oral and anal sex can reduce risk of HIV transmission.

Do you and your partner know the HIV status? If not, get tested! There is no way to tell by looking at someone if one has HIV.

If you are pregnant or planning to be, get tested for HIV as soon as possible.

Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. These substances can affect your judgment, causing you less likely to use a condom.

If you inject drugs, this could expose you to HIV and other viruses found in blood, such as hepatitis C virus. It’s important not to share needles, syringes and injecting equipment. If you are a heroin user, consider receiving methadone treatment, which is taken as a liquid and reduces your risk of getting HIV.