World Aids Day 2009

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• Get the facts. Know if you are at risk, how HIV is spread, and take action to protect yourself.
  • Abstinence, followed by mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner, is the most effective way to protect yourself.
  • For sexually active individuals, correct and consistent condom use can significantly decrease risk.
  • If you inject drugs, don't share needles.
  • Discuss these issues with a health care provider or other public health professional.
    
• Get tested. Testing is an essential first step in protecting yourself and others from HIV infection.
  • You can get tested at your provider's office – ask your provider about getting tested.
  • For additional testing sites, call 800-CDC-INFO or visit www.hivtest.org
  • If you are HIV-positive, you can then take steps to protect your partners, and receive life-extending treatment.
• Speak out. Talk about HIV with family and friends to reduce the stigma and homophobia that prevent too many from seeking HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and support.
  
• Get involved in your communities to help prevent HIV or help those in need of services find them.
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