Do not use intravenous drugs. If IV drugs are used, do not share needles or syringes. People with AIDS or who have had positive antibody tests may pass the disease on to others and should not donate blood, plasma, body organs, or sperm. They should not exchange body fluids during sexual activity. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk of acquiring the infection.
Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.
Therapy with Retrovir has been shown to slow the rate of disease progression. 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 delaying progression to AIDS and preventing complications. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if risk factors are present for HIV infection , or if HIV infection has been diagnosed and symptoms begin to develop.