How to Prevent AIDS
1. Safer Sex:
Correct and Consistent Condom Use: This is one of the most effective methods to prevent sexual transmission.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): A daily preventive medication for HIV-negative individuals at higher risk of infection (e.g., those with an HIV-positive partner or multiple partners), with over 90% efficacy.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Emergency medication taken within **72 hours** after a potential exposure to HIV (e.g., condom breakage). A 28-day course can reduce the risk of infection.
2. Avoid Blood Contact:
Absolutely never share needles or other injecting equipment. Hong Kong operates a **”Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme”** which provides clean equipment to people who inject drugs to block virus transmission.
Ensure all skin-piercing procedures (e.g., acupuncture, tattooing, body piercing) use single-use or strictly sterilised instruments.
3. Be Informed and Get Tested:
Know your own and your partner’s HIV status. Various districts in Hong Kong provide free, confidential, and anonymous HIV antibody testing services.
Pregnant women should receive routine antenatal HIV testing.
4. Treatment as Prevention:
For individuals living with HIV, starting and adhering to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) early suppresses the viral load to an undetectable level. This allows them to stay healthy while virtually eliminating the risk of transmitting the virus through sex (U=U).
