If you are going for procedures such as tattooing, ear piercing, or acupuncture, verify that the equipment to be used on you is sterile. Avoid alcohol and drugs as they affect your judgement, and can induce you to take risks you would not otherwise take, like having unsafe sex, sharing needles, or driving rashly.

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. See similar questions...

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 See similar questions...

Abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Many other things feel good and are safe, because no blood, semen, or vaginal secretions get into the body. Safe activities include hugging, cuddling, masturbating, kissing, fantasizing, body-to-body rubbing, and massage. Use condoms. Unless you're 100% sure your sexual partner is not infected with HIV or other STDs, reduce your risk by using a latex condom (rubber) on the penis from start to finish every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. See similar questions...

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, the AIDS virus) helps TB germs make you sick by attacking the germ fighters in your body. If you are infected with HIV and with TB germs, you have a very big chance of getting TB disease. The TB germs are much more likely to attack your lungs and other parts of the body. You can be cured, but it takes longer to cure someone with TB disease who also has HIV infection. If you think you might have HIV infection, talk to your doctor about getting an HIV test. See similar questions...

There is no need for anyone at school to know the HIV status of a student or employee. What everyone does need to understand is that the blood of any student or employee could potentially be infected with a bloodborne pathogen such as HIV or Hepatitis B, and that under normal conditions in regular educational programs, use of "Universal Precautions" is sufficient to protect against transmission of bloodborne diseases. See similar questions...

HIV/AIDS cannot be cured. That is why it is so important to keep from getting it in the first place. Here are ways to keep from getting HIV/AIDS. ask your sex partner(s) if he or she has HIV/AIDS or other STDs, has had sex with someone who had HIV/AIDS or other STDs, or has sores, rashes, or discharge in the genital area. Do not share razors or anything that might touch blood, semen, or vaginal fluids of an infected person. See similar questions...

The best way to protect yourself from infection from all forms of influenza is to limit the spread of germs. Make sure you wash your hands frequently with soap and water. The use of alcohol-based hand cleaner can also prevent the spread of germs. When you cough or sneeze, cover you mouth and nose with a tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. Most importantly, stay at home if you are sick. See similar questions...

practicing good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and showering immediately after participating in exercise); avoiding sharing personal items (e.g., towels, razors) that come into contact with your bare skin; and using a barrier (e.g. See similar questions...

Working smart: Your chance of being exposed to HIV infection in the workplace is very low. The virus does not spread through casual contact. It is transmitted through blood and body fluids. In fact, HIV cannot survive for long outside the body. It is not transmitted through air, food or water. The real danger is high-risk behavior off the job, such as unprotected sex and sharing needles for drug use. The spread of HIV can only occur if one of the people involved is already infected with HIV. See similar questions...

A condom is the only barrier that is now available to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, during sexual intercourse. (return to top) See similar questions...

NO! There are many vaccines now in clinical study, however at this time, none have been tested on humans and it may be years before a viable vaccine is possible. See similar questions...

Typically, your vision will decline and the eye may become achy. In a matter of hours the vision may be totally foggy. Call your doctor or seek emergency help. The greatest risk is during the first week. See similar questions...

If you're pierced at Pierce de Resistance (PdR), and follow our aftercare instructions faithfully, the chances of an infection are virtually non-existent. We take extreme care to assure that all piercings are performed in a appropriately clean environment using sterile equipment. After that, it's up to you. We will never discourage you from consulting your doctor if you believe you have an infection. See similar questions...

Closely observe your health if you have close contact with birds/poultry. Seek medical advice if you develop fever, eye infections, and/or respiratory problems. Do not touch sick or dying birds; if you do, immediately wash your hands and report to local authorities. Go immediately to a health clinic if you have a fever with flu-like symptoms and have had contact with birds See similar questions...