HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies

December 1, 2021

HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies

AIDS (autoimmune deficiency syndrome) is the final stage of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). In the United States, HIV is mainly spread by having sex or sharing syringes and other injection equipment with someone who is infected with HIV. These strategies can help reduce the risk of spreading HIV:

Know your status, get tested for HIV.
Choose less risky sexual behaviors. Limit the number of sexual partners you have and use condoms every time you have sex.
Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Don’t share needles, syringes, or injection equipment.

Talk to your health care provider about medicines to prevent or treat HIV:

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is for people who don’t already have HIV but are at very high risk of getting it. PrEP is daily medicine that can reduce this risk.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is for people who have possibly been exposed to HIV. It is only for emergency situations. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV.
HIV treatment as prevention reduces the amount of HIV in the body and helps prevent transmission to others.

Learn more about HIV/AIDS.

COVID-19 Booster Shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 18 and older get a booster shot. Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time.

You may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you receive. Follow these guidelines for when you should get a booster shot:

If you received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, get your booster at least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
If you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, get your booster at least 2 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

To learn more or to find a vaccine provider, see this CDC information.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For Me?

Hormone therapy (HT) uses one or more hormones to relieve symptoms of menopause. There are risks and benefits to taking hormones and they may be different depending on your age, medical history, and other factors. Talk with your doctor about whether HT is right for you or if other treatments or strategies can help manage your symptoms. Find out more.