A vaccine to prevent HIV infection (much like the "shots" used today for flu or measles) would be a major breakthrough in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Recently, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) announced three research grants to study various ways this might be done. This research is of great importance as a preventive measure and also as a way to develop immune-based treatments for people who are already infected with HIV.

Meanwhile, the only way to prevent HIV infection is to avoid behaviors that put you at risk, such as sharing needles or having unprotected (unsafe) sex.

Condoms and Dams

The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that people either not have sex (abstain) or protect themselves by using latex condoms whenever having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who is not proven to be free of HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Use of such protection is sometimes called safe (or sometimes "safer") sex. Use only water-based lubricants (such as glycerin or K-Y® jelly) with latex condoms, because oil-based lubricants (such as petroleum jelly) weaken natural rubber.

For people allergic to latex, FDA has approved several polyurethane condoms, which are comparable to latex as a barrier to sperm and HIV.

Natural membrane (lambskin) condoms are useful in preventing pregnancy, but they are not effective protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Although sperm cannot pass through the lambskin material, small particles like HIV can penetrate these condoms.

A product for women (the polyurethane Reality Female Condom) provides limited protection against sexually transmitted diseases, if the male partner uses a latex condom for men. Products for female use, called "dams," (similar to protective dams used during dental procedures) are also available. However, male and female condoms should not be used at the same time, because they won't stay in place. Since HIV has been found in menstrual blood, women having sex during menstruation should continue practicing protected sex.

Spermicides have not been proven to prevent HIV infection.

Pregnant Women

A pregnant woman can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to her baby if she takes AZT during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and her baby takes the drug for the first six weeks of life.

Drug Users

If you use intravenous (injected) drugs, never share needles, rent works, or use rebagged needles. Needle exchange programs are available in most cities.

If you must re-use needles, cleaning your works will reduce your risk of getting infected from needle use. You can clean needles by doing the following:

1. Draw cold water into the needle.
2. Shake and tap the needle, then flush the water out.
3. Do this three times.
4. Fill the needle with undiluted household bleach, shake, tap, and flush out the bleach.
5. Do this three times.
6. Never let the bleach enter your body.

If you want to get treatment for a drug problem, call ADAPT (Association for Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment) at 212-289-1957.

Other ways to prevent infection^2,3

Don't let anyone use anything that has come in contact with your blood of other bodily fluids, such as a syringe, razor, or toothbrush.

If you are, or might be, HIV-positive, do not donate blood, semen, organs, or tissue. Blood donations are now carefully screened for HIV and other infections, but you should not donate if your donation might carry the risk of infection to someone else.

To prevent illnesses transmitted by food, people with HIV should avoid unpasteurized dairy products, and wash their hands and utensils with soap and hot water when preparing meals. Cook food thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria. Avoid eating raw eggs and raw seafood (oysters, clams, sushi, or sashimi).

Special issues and concerns

Although HIV/AIDS knows no boundaries and can affect anyone, certain groups of people may have special concerns, which can be addressed through resources such as those in the Resources section of this Condition Forum. Groups with special issues include:

• Gay men
• Lesbians
• Healthcare workers
• Teenagers
• People with disabilities
• Mentally handicapped individuals
• Prisoners
• Sex workers
• Military personnel