HIV Prevention: Practical Steps to Lower Your Risk

HIV doesn't have to be part of your life plan. You can take real steps today that cut your chance of getting HIV a lot. This page gives clear, practical actions—PrEP, PEP, testing, condoms, and safer habits—so you know what to do and where to start.

PrEP and PEP: What to know

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill you take to prevent HIV. When taken every day, PrEP cuts the risk of catching HIV from sex by more than 99% and from injection drug use by about 74% or more. Talk to a provider to get an HIV test and kidney check before starting. Side effects are usually mild—nausea or headaches for a few days—and many people stop noticing them after the first month.

Get PrEP only with a legitimate prescription from a clinic, sexual health center, or trusted telehealth service. Generic versions are widely available and cheaper; ask your provider or pharmacist about cost-saving options and insurance coverage.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is emergency HIV prevention after a recent exposure. You must start PEP within 72 hours and take it for 28 days. If you think you had a high-risk exposure—condom broke, shared needles, or an unprotected partner who may have HIV—go to an urgent care center, emergency room, or sexual health clinic right away.

Testing, condoms, and other smart moves

Testing is central. If you’re on PrEP, plan for an HIV test every 3 months and kidney tests as your provider recommends. If you're sexually active with multiple partners or share needles, test every 3 months. At minimum, test at least once a year. Early detection means faster treatment and less chance of passing HIV to others.

Condoms still work. When used correctly, condoms cut HIV risk and protect against many other STIs. Use plenty of water- or silicone-based lube to prevent breakage. For people who inject drugs, clean needles and syringe exchange programs reduce risk a lot.

If a partner is living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) with an undetectable viral load, their chance of transmitting HIV sexually is effectively zero—this is called U=U (undetectable = untransmittable). That’s powerful, but it relies on consistent treatment and regular viral load checks.

No approved HIV vaccine exists yet, but trials are active. Meanwhile, prevention relies on tools we already have: meds, testing, condoms, and safer practices. If you want help finding testing sites, PrEP providers, or a reputable pharmacy for prescription pickups, contact a local clinic or use trusted telehealth services. Only buy prescription prevention meds from licensed pharmacies and with a valid prescription.

Final practical tip: make prevention part of your routine. Schedule tests, set daily reminders for PrEP, carry condoms and lube, and talk openly with partners about HIV status and prevention. Small habits now cut big risks later.