Avoid oral, vaginal, or anal contact with semen. Avoid anal intercourse, since it causes small abrasions in the rectal tissues, through which the AIDS virus in an infected partner's semen may be injected directly into the recipient's blood. Avoid oral contact with the anus, and do not engage in the insertion of fingers or fists into the anus as active or receptive partner. Do not allow a partner's urine to enter your mouth, anus, eyes, or open cuts or sores. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk of acquiring the infection.
Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.
A blood differential may show abnormalities. It is usually not recommended. People with HIV infection need to receive education about the disease and treatment so that they can be active partners in decision-making with the health care provider. See AIDS - support group . There are effective means of preventing complications and delaying, but not preventing, progression to AIDS .