The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) encourages Latinos of all ages to “Act Against AIDS” in order to make an AIDS-free generation a reality. As an Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative partner, NHCOA emphasizes the importance of people getting the facts, getting tested and getting involved to combat HIV/AIDS. But one of the most important steps we can take to act against AIDS is to prevent the spread of HIV by taking preventative measures first. While there is no cure for HIV, there are ways to prevent getting the virus.

It’s important to remember that the best HIV prevention method is abstinence or a long-term mutually monogamous relationship where both partners have been tested and are confirmed to be HIV-negative. However, reality does not always match these ideal situations. The following preventative methods are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help protect against HIV:

• Condoms: male or female condoms should be used every time and changed with each sex act (oral, vaginal and anal sex). Male condoms, which cover the penis, protect better than female condoms; however, using a female condom is better than no protection at all. Condoms made from latex provide the greatest protection, but polyurethane or plastic condoms are good alternatives for those with latex allergies.
• Substance use and abuse: Substance use, including alcohol and drugs, may result in impaired judgment and reduced inhibitions may increase engaging in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex. Additionally drug abuse that includes sharing of used needles, which are usually contaminated with blood, may result in HIV infection, if these items are shared with HIV-positive individuals. In order to avoid spreading the virus, people who use intravenous (IV) drug should never share needles. Many communities have clean needle exchange programs and now many pharmacies and medical centers sell disposable needles. However, seeking substance abuse treatment is the best way to avoid the high risk of contracting HIV from substance use and IV drug use. Find a treatment center near you: http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment/index.aspx
• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a medicine that may provide some protection against HIV infection at-risk HIV-negative individuals. For example, for mixed-status couples (when one person in the relationship is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative) doctors often recommend that the HIV-negative partner take PrEP as a precaution, in addition to using condoms and getting tested.
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): this treatment consists of taking selected HIV medications (anti-retrovirals) within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV. The medications are prescribed after an evaluation of the exposure by a health care provider, to be sure that it is based on established guidelines. This form of protection against HIV should be used by anyone who may have been exposed to HIV. Examples of exposure may include:
  o    An accidentally puncture with a used needle in a health care or other setting
  o    Condom breakage during sexual activities of a mixed-status couple
  o    Rape
  o    High risk sexual activity while being impaired due to alcohol or drugs
  Although PEP doesn’t guarantee that the person will not contract HIV; however, it is important to know that this is available for use within 72 hours of exposure and under medical supervision.
• Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV (MCTC): When a mother is HIV-positive there is a strong risk that the baby may become infected with HIV at birth or during breastfeeding. Therefore it is important for all expectant mothers to have an HIV test, as suggested in current guidelines. Timely testing and treatment of the mother and the newborn can reduce the chance of transmission of HIV to the newborn significantly. This is particularly important for women that have not had appropriate prenatal care (including HIV testing) and present at an emergency room in labor.

For more information on HIV prevention, you can visit: http://www.cdc.gov/actagainstaids/basics/prevention.html.