First of all understand how HIV spreads.

There's a lot of misinformation about how the disease

is spread, so educate yourself in order to protect yourself. HIV is transmitted when infected
blood, breast milk, semen, or vaginal secretions come in contact with broken skin or mucous
membranes (i.e., mouth, nose, vagina, rectum, penis opening). HIV can be transmitted through
unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse, as well by blood-blood contact and contact with
bodily fluids.

Ways to overcome AIDS/ HIV

1. Avoid substance abuse.

The first thing you should do is stop abusing alcohol and drugs. These
substances, while fun, impair your judgement and make you more
likely to make bad decisions or put you in a situation where the
decision is not yours.

2. Never share needles or syringes.

Needles and syringes can easily carry HIV from one person to
another. Never use recreational drugs which use needles and never
use any needles not given to you by your doctor. If you have problems
with addiction to these drugs, get help for addiction and find out if your

area has a needle exchange program to help keep you and others
safe.

3. Avoid contact with other people's blood and certain other

bodily fluids.
You never know who has HIV, since there is no stereotype, and
someone may not even know if he or she is infected, so the best policy
is to always be careful. Avoid touching other people's blood if at all
possible and also avoid contact with the other bodily fluids that can
spread HIV.

5. Always, always, always use protection.

Only engage in unprotected sex if you are in a mutually monogamous
relationship in which both you and your partner are uninfected by HIV
or any other STD. This is the most important part of preventing HIV.
Protected sex will go the furthest to protect you and your partner if one
of you is at risk or has contracted an HIV infection.

4. React quickly if you believe you've become exposed

If you do expose yourself to HIV, seek medical attention immediately. If
treated within 72 hours, you may be able to prevent the HIV infection
from permanently settling down in your body through Post-Exposure
Prophylaxis (or PEP) treatment. But PEP is not a 100% guarantee.

4. Talk to your doctor.

As always, if you have a medical problem or questions, you should ask
a doctor! If you don't have a doctor or medical insurance, most areas
have free or low-cost clinic and many government programs exist to
help you find help.