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WHAT CAN I DO?
If you haven't been infected with HIV, make sure you stay that way!
If you think you may be at risk, there are many things you can do to
keep yourself as healthy as possible, and to keep from infecting others.
You may want to consider HIV Antibody Counseling and Testing. Anonymous
test sites are located throughout the state <see
locations>, or your own physician could provide
confidential testing.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS BY:
- NEVER SHARING INJECTABLE DRUG NEEDLES AND WORKS. If you are in
need of substance abuse treatment, try to locate a treatment program. If
you MUST share needles and works, learn how to clean them with bleach and
water.
- ALWAYS USING LATEX CONDOMS AND DENTAL DAMS (a flat sheet of
latex) when engaging in oral, anal or vaginal intercourse, to create a
barrier between yourself and your partner's semen, pre-ejaculatory fluid,
blood or vaginal secretions.
- NEVER RECEIVING SOMEONE'S BLOOD, SEMEN OR VAGINAL FLUID IN YOU
MOUTH, RECTUM, VAGINA, OR ON OPEN SORES OR BROKEN SKIN.
- USING SPERMICIDE ALONG WITH A CONDOM OR RUBBER DAM FOR ADDITIONAL
PROTECTION. Spermicides with nonoxynol-9 kill HIV. To be effective
they must be used with a condom or rubber dam, however. Do not use
spermicides if you are allergic to them!
- EXPLORING ALTERNATIVES TO SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. Talk to your
partner!
- STAYING PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY FIT: eat well, get plenty of
rest; and avoid the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
If you are considering parenthood or are pregnant, and may be at
risk of HIV infection, you may want to talk with your physician, a family
planning counselor, or an HIV Antibody Test counselor.
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