1. HOW TO  AVOID AIDS:
2. Educate yourself. HIV invades the T-cells or CD4 cells in the blood, uses the cell to reproduce itself and then ultimately destroys the cell,[2] leaving the blood vulnerable to other infections and diseases. This eventually leads to AIDS.
   
   
   
   • Some people fear touching, speaking to or interacting with HIV+ people in general, but it's important to understand that you cannot contract the disease from sharing food with them, using the bathroom after them or shaking their hands. HIV is only transmitted through certain bodily fluids carried by an infected person.
   • Know how infection is transmitted. There are, however, certain bodily fluids that can lead to HIV infection. They are: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, breast milk and vaginal fluid.[3] Any exposure to these fluids could result in acquiring HIV.
   • Understand the prognosis. Once someone tests HIV+, there is no cure. Modern medicine has been able to slow down the development of AIDS and help HIV+ patients live relatively comfortable lives, but the virus will never leave the person's body. Additionally, infecting others is still a concern.
3. 2
   Reduce your risk of exposure[4]. Avoid the body fluids that carry the virus and use safe and clean practices when having sexual intercourse, working near infected people or doing recreational drugs.
   
   
   
   • Reduce your sexual risk factors. Several precautions can reduce your chances of getting HIV through oral, anal or vaginal sex. Limit the number of sexual partners you have, know the status of someone before you sleep with them and always use condoms or dental dams. Use all contraceptives correctly to prevent not only HIV infection, but infection with other STIs.
   • Decrease your risk of being exposed while using drugs. Use new, sterile syringes each time. Make sure to receive your needles from a reputable source. Never reuse or share anything used to prepare or take drugs including water (as this could be contaminated). After using, always dispose of all of your equipment or sterilize it to kill any viruses.
   • Reduce your exposure at work or in public. Health professionals or anyone who comes into contact with bodily fluids that can carry the virus should always be cautious at work. Never recap sharp objects (syringes, lancets, etc.) after use. Always dispose of used sharp objects in a clear container to avoid accidental contact. Wear the proper safety protection (gloves, gowns, goggles, etc.) when working with blood or other fluids. Most importantly, always treat all blood and body fluids as if they are infectious.

Getting Diagnosed

1. 1
   Look for symptoms[5]. Two to four weeks after being infected, people who are HIV+ experience flu-like symptoms. This is called ARS (acute retro-viral syndrome) and is described as the "worst flu ever." The person may experience fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. These symptoms will likely last up to 4 weeks. If you notice these symptoms get tested right away.
   
   
   
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   Get tested regularly[6]. Testing is the only way to actually know your status. This can prevent you from accidentally passing on the virus to someone else. When you get tested, you will most likely be given a blood test, although urine or a swab of fluid are also used. The results will come back in a few days or as little as 20 minutes.
   
   
   
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   Consider using post-exposure prophylaxis.[7] If you are exposed, or fear that you have been exposed to infected fluids, you may be able to take post-exposure prophylaxis, an antiretroviral drug. This medication, when taken immediately after exposure (or up to 72 hours after) can drastically reduce your chances of becoming infected.
   
   
   
   • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that only HIV negative people who have recently been exposed to HIV use this drug. Abusing this drug can result in serious health risks. While this drug does not cure HIV, it can, if used properly, prevent the risk of seroconversion.