The best way to avoid getting HIV is to not have sex. If you do have sex, you can protect yourself with these steps:
- Always use a condom when having sex.
- Exclusively have sex with one person who is not infected.
- Do not use alcohol or drugs. That way you can make smart choices based on clear thinking.
Activities like hugging, kissing, and rubbing against one another don't spread HIV as long as there are no open sores being touched. Also, you can't give yourself HIV by masturbating.
