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.