HIV Prevention

There is no vaccine or cure for HIV, but people can take steps to reduce their risk of getting the virus or spreading it to others. HIV Prevention

What You Should Do

Practice safer sex

  • Protect yourself and others while having sex.
  • Use condoms during sex. (The Department of Health distributes free condoms at many locations across the state);
  • Use condoms correctly;
  • You can find more information about STDs, locate free condoms, find health services, and explore testing options by downloading the RIghtTime app.
  • Use of alcohol and drugs can increase your chances of engaging in risky sexual behavior. Avoid use of alcohol and drugs during sexual activity;
  • Consider going on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and get Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection after exposure. PrEP is a once daily pill that high-risk individuals can take to prevent HIV infection. PrEP is effective at preventing HIV, but using condoms with PrEP is even more effective at preventing HIV. Also, PrEP does not protect against other STDs, so it is important to use condoms to avoid infections. more Video

Use clean needles

  • If you are an injecting drug user, use clean needles (do not share needles). more
  • The state's anonymous ENCORE (Education, Needle Exchange, Counseling, Outreach, and Referral) program can provide anyone age 18 and older with safer sex materials, including clean syringes, bleach, alcohol swabs, cookers, and cotton, and condoms. Outreach workers can also provide anonymous HIV testing, referrals to drug treatment, medical care, and social services, and clothing and personal hygiene items.