HIV/AIDS has infected more than 34 million people worldwide in 2011 and 3.4 million are less than 15 years of age. HIV/AIDS is a pandemic and continues to spread without any guarantee of cure or vaccine at this time. Know the ways to protect yourself and help stop HIV spread to others.

1. Sexual Abstinence

One of the most effective methods to prevent transmission of HIV infection is to refrain from sexual activity. Although difficult to most men and women who want children, it is mostly covered by religious, social norms or some laws depending on your territory. Abstaining from sexual intercourse greatly reduces the risk of getting HIV infection and if not possible, take precautions such as safe sex to protect you from the virus.

2. Avoid Multiple Sexual Partners

Having more than one sexual partner can increase the risk of HIV infection. HIV can be asymptomatic or showing no signs at all for several years which you are risking yourself from getting exposed to individuals who doesn't know if they have HIV or not.

3. Safe Sex Always

Condoms are cheap and sometimes free from health centres which being promoted to protect oneself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infection. Consistent use of condom reduces transmission of HIV and STDs even between a HIV-free and HIV-positive couples. In addition, two HIV-positive couples who consistently use condoms reduces multiple HIV strain transmission to each other.

4. Get Tested

It is very scary and mostly humiliating to get yourself tested for HIV or STD but having medical screening can prevent you from suffering HIV/STD complications and help others to be protected from it. Hospitals and other health institutes with STD screening are bound to patient confidentiality which guarantees your privacy and securities. Aside from that, if any test reveals a problem, medical experts can quickly address the issue to manage further complications.

5. Lifestyle Check

Multiple sexual partners, unprotected sexual activity and sharing of needles are considered risky lifestyle to get HIV infection. HIV can be transmitted via blood or bodily fluids such as semen, pre-ejaculation and vaginal secretion, and having a risky lifestyle makes one extremely susceptible to HIV/AIDS.

- Avoid reusing needles and syringes

- Never share needles and syringes

- Wear gloves or necessary protective gears for direct contact with bodily fluids

6. Educate Yourself

There is nothing wrong about researching facts on HIV/AIDS and health officials are advising the world to educate about the disease. Sex education may be awkward or questioned due to moral or social factors but information should flow to prevent someone from risking exposure to the deadly and incurable virus.

7. Consider Circumcision

Although not imposed by law, male circumcision has been recommended by medical groups such as the Mayo Clinic to help reduce risk HIV transmission. Circumcision is also linked to reduce transmission risk of other sexually transmitted diseases such as Syphilis and Gonorrhoea.

8. Microbicides for STD

Use microbicides or pharmacologic agents which can destroy microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that may cause infection. Usually available in several forms such as gels, creams, sprays or pills developed for both vaginal and anal intercourse. It offers protection to the absence or breakage of condoms. Remember, do not use drugs not prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.

9. Take Medications and Tell your Sexual Partners if you have HIV

Be prepared and responsible to your life and to others as well. Seek medical attention and if necessary, take your medications immediately to reduce HIV complications and reduce transmitting them to others. Also, be considerate and kind to tell your sexual partners if you have HIV and encourage them to be tested to help stop further spread.

10. If you're Pregnant, Don't be Afraid to Seek Medical Attention

HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her child throughout pregnancy and if she took the treatment during that time, the baby has a greater chance of avoiding infection by around two-thirds.