While serologic status is being confirmed, physicians should be available for support and they should identify AIDS service organizations and resources in their region. After diagnosis, an HIV-positive patient usually cannot absorb much more information. Any activity that deposits blood, semen or vaginal fluid on intact skin or in a condom carries a low risk. Exposure to HIV can be avoided by abstinence, monogamy of uninfected sexual partners and refusing to share equipment for injecting drugs. Counselling safer sex A complete and regularly updated history of the person's sexual activity should describe risk-producing activities, including current and past sexual partners, specific sexual practices and history of STDs and of sexual assault.
Dental dams are square sheets of latex used by dentists to isolate a tooth and control infection.
They are available from pharmacies, medical supply stores and sex-equipment or condom shops. Some people cut open an unused, unlubricated condom or latex glove to use as a substitute for dental dams. Condoms should be used consistently by monogamous partners until both have established that they are not infected with HIV or have other STDs. Repeated unprotected exposure to HIV should be avoided. If both partners are HIV-positive, the couple may reduce the risk of transmission of different types of HIV and other infections between them by practising safer sex.