Yes. Use of a latex male condom or a female condom during sex can reduce the risk of HIV infection by reducing the chance of getting semen, blood and vaginal secretions (fluids known to carry the virus) into the body. Condoms can reduce, but not entirely eliminate the risk of HIV infection. The primary reason that condoms sometimes fail to prevent HIV infection is due to incorrect or inconsistent use. Consistent means using a condom with each act of intercourse.

For injection drug users who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs, the following steps may be taken to reduce personal and public health risks: If possible, use sterile water to prepare drugs; otherwise, use clean water from a reliable source (such as fresh tap water). Use a new or disinfected container ("cooker") and a new filter ("cotton") to prepare drugs.

Enter and complete substance abuse treatment, including relapse prevention. For injection drug users who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs, the following steps may be taken to reduce personal and public health risks: If possible, use sterile water to prepare drugs; otherwise, use clean water from a reliable source (such as fresh tap water). Use a new or disinfected container ("cooker") and a new filter ("cotton") to prepare drugs.

Sharing needles puts injecting drug users (IDUs) at risk for many blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV. The most effective way to reduce your risk is to stop using drugs. There are many programs available to help a person quit. If an individual cannot or will not stop using injecting drugs, then it is recommended that a person never reuse or share works (cookers, cottons, syringes, needles, water.) New needles, from a reliable source, should be used every time.

Groups such as the American Medical Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Pharmaceutical Association all recommend providing access to clean syringes to reduce disease risk among those who are unable to abstain from injecting drugs.

a.) Latex condoms, used consistently (every time) for anal, vaginal and oral sex; and used correctly from start to finish. b.) A mutual monogamous relationship (sex with 1 person who only has sex with you) where both partners have been tested and know they are HIV negative, have no other sex partners, and do not use needles or share them.

The best way to reduce risk is to always use a latex condom correctly for all sexual intercourse. If you are using injectable drugs, always use a sterile needle and never use somebody else's equipment.

Drug treatment programs: Risk of infection from used syringes can be completely avoided by entering a drug treatment program and ending use of injected drugs. Drug treatment programs are available throughout New York State to assist an individual in reaching recovery. To find a drug treatment program, call 1-800-522-5353. Syringe exchange programs: Risk of infection can also be avoided by using a new syringe for each injection and by not sharing syringes or works.

Oral sex (one person kissing, licking or sucking the sexual areas of another person) does carry some risk of infection. If a person sucks the penis of an infected man, for example, infected fluid could get into the mouth. The virus could then get into the blood if you have bleeding gums or tiny sores somewhere in the mouth. The same is true if infected sexual fluids from a woman get into the mouth of her partner. But infection from oral sex alone seems to be very rare.

a general rule, the public should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects you from possible exposure to pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal. Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water. Do not pick up diseased or dead wildlife.

NOT PUTTING THE CONDOM ON CORRECTLY: The number one reason for breakage of condoms during sex is because they have been put on wrong and air bubbles get trapped inside and causes them to break. This is why it is so important to squeeze the tip. HEAT: Do not leave your condoms in hot places like glove compartments, hot automobiles, in direct sunlight, or in pockets of tight clothing. NOT ENOUGH LUBRICATION: It is important to use a water-based lubricant to reduce friction during intercourse.

You can reduce your risk of developing coronary heart disease and having a heart attack by avoiding smoking, taking regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity 5 times a week), eating a balanced diet which is rich in fruit and vegetables and low in salt and saturated fat.

The Human Immuno Deficiency Virus is more than one type. You and your partner have very different immune systems and you cannot assume you both have exactly the same type of HIV virus. It is possible to get infected with an HIV strain that is more aggressive than the one you have, or with one that might be resistant to the medicines you are currently taking. Either way, becoming "super infected" could indeed have a negative effect on your health.

Small amounts of blood from a person infected with HIV may stay in the "works" used to inject drugs (needles, syringes, cotton, cookers, water or other equipment) and can be injected into the bloodstream of the next person who uses the equipment. Any drug injection activity where equipment is shared with person who has HIV or whose HIV status is unknown is high- risk. This includes injecting drugs into veins (IV), in the muscles or under the skin.

No. Condoms are not 100% safe, especially if they are not used consistently and correctly. However, latex condoms used during sex can reduce the risk of HIV infection since they minimize direct contact with semen, blood and vaginal secretions (fluids known to carry the virus). When using a lubricant latex condom, always use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y jelly. DO NOT use oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline or hand lotion, because they weaken latex condoms and cause them to break.

Statistics show that the percentage of HIV infection in MSM (men who have sex with men) is usually substantially higher than in heterosexual men. Unprotected anal intercourse does carry a higher risk than most other forms of sexual activities. The lining of the rectum has less cells than that of the vagina, and therefore can be damaged and cause bleeding during intercourse. This can then be a route into the bloodstream for infected sexual fluids or blood.

There is evidence that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has been in the Asian region at least since 1978. The following are known risk factors

The following are known risk factors for HIV. You may be at increased risk of infection if any of the following apply to you:

Can you help I am a 16 year old and I have never had sex, but recently I took a course of antibiotics and I have developed this dreadful itch and a clumpy discharge. What's wrong with me? I can't go to my doctor I'd be too embarrassed, please, please can you help.

Yes, you should use a condom. Some STDs and infections (such as herpes) can be passed on by oral sex. When you use a condom for oral sex you should change condoms before having vaginal or anal sex since teeth marks may have punctured the condom.

Yes, you should use a condom. Anal sex is very risky when it comes to STDs. Anal sex strains a condom due to the orientation of the colon, the passage of the anus constrictor, less natural lubrication, and tougher action during intercourse. You should use strong lubricated condoms like Harmony retarding condoms. No, a condom is for single use only. After the man has cum and you decide to carry on with sex, the condom may burst. If you want to carry on with sex, just put a new condom on.

Avoid raw or undercooked eggs. Cook poultry, beef and pork thoroughly. Separate uncooked meats from produce and cooked foods. Wash all produce, including melons with cold water and a vegetable brush. If you don’t wash the outside, bacteria on the surface may be pushed into the inner flesh. To avoid cross contamination while preparing meat and produce, use separate cutting boards and utensils. Wash wooden cutting boards in hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before storing.

A person can have TB infection for years without any signs of disease. But if that person's immune system gets weak, the infection can quickly turn into TB disease. Also, if a person who has a weak immune system spends time with someone with infectious TB, he or she may become infected with TB bacteria and quickly develop TB disease. Because HIV infection weakens the immune system, people with TB infection and HIV infection are at very high risk of developing TB disease.

Copyright © 2002-2005 Health Information Publications. The information provided on this Web site has been developed exclusively by and for Health Information Publications and ehealthMD and may not be copied without written permission. The information provided is for general information only and is not intended to replace the advice of your health-care provider. This is original material developed by Health Information Publications, Copyright © 1990-2005

If the condom breaks during sex, the penis should be removed immediately and washed. A new condom should be used if you decide to resume sex.

While infections are extremely rare, and not all infections can be prevented, there are a few precautions we could take: Preoperative antibiotics have not been shown to decrease the incidence of infection in "clean surgical cases" nevertheless it is customary for most of us to use antibiotics during surgery.