Sexual activity:
- Abstaining from sexual intercourse
- Having sex with only one partner and you and your partner are monogamous (only participating in sex or sexual activities with each other)
- Having protected sex using condoms (male or female) correctly and consistently. Reminder: While spermicides may prevent pregnancy, they do not protect against HIV
- Engaging in activities that are safe such as kissing, masturbation, mutual masturbation and massage
Drug use:
- Do not share equipment (needles, syringes, cookers, cotton or rinse water)
- Always use new equipment for each injection
- If you share equipment, clean syringes with bleach and water several times
- Use community resources such as needle exchange programs
Mother to child transmission:
- Being aware of one's HIV status
- Consider taking antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and labour
- Reduce the baby's exposure to mother's bodily fluids: consider the best course of delivery (i.e. caesarean section)
- Mothers with HIV are advised not to breastfeed: breast milk may be available from a milk bank
Blood transfusions and medical procedures:
- All blood supplies are screened in British Columbia and therefore carry no risk of HIV transmission
- When travelling, it is advisable to know the medical procedures of the country you are visiting
- Ensure a new or sterilized needle is used for each injection
Tattooing and piercing:
- When getting tattoos or piercing, ensure that the shop is reputable and uses only new or sterilized equipment
- Artists should take care not to dip into a large quantity of ink. Instead each individual should have their own small pot of ink as to avoid contamination
Health care workers:
- Most effective way to limit the risk of infection is to practice universal precautions
- Wash hands thoroughly; use protective gloves, eyewear, etc.