How are HIV and AIDS treated?
• There is no cure for HIV or AIDS. • It can be treated. Medicine can help slow down the infection and fight off other infections. • People with HIV may live longer if they take medicine. • If you are at risk for having HIV (see “Risks” above) you should be tested. Even if you feel fine, if you have HIV you should start treatment right away. • Even with treatment, a person with HIV may get AIDS. How can I protect myself against HIV and AIDS? • You can’t tell who is HIV positive and who isn’t. You must always protect yourself. • The fluids you must protect yourself and others against are blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. • The best way to protect yourself is to not have sex. This includes oral sex, anal sex, and sexual intercourse. • If you do have sex, use a latex condom. It must be latex. • Use a new latex condom each time you have sex. This includes oral sex, anal sex, and sexual intercourse. • Never put oily gel on a condom. • Do not have sex with a person who takes drug
