Prevention
Consistent use of male latex condoms can help protect against HIV infection. Credit: NIAID |
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent HIV infection nor is there a cure for HIV/AIDS. To reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV or transmitting the virus to others:
- Get tested regularly for HIV
- Practice abstinence
- Remain faithful to your spouse or partner
- Consistently use male latex or female polyurethane condoms
- Do not share needles
NIAID’s HIV Prevention Research
NIAID is researching HIV vaccines to prevent HIV infection and to lessen viral load in people infected with HIV. Credit: NIAID |
Topical microbicides, such as gels, creams and foams, are designed to be applied to the vagina or rectum prior to sexual intercourse. Credit: NIAID |
Antiretrovirals as an HIV prevention tool are one research area that NIAID is exploring. Credit: NIAID |
NIAID is conducting and supporting research to develop new strategies to prevent the spread of HIV. These strategies include vaccines, topical microbicides, such as gels, creams and foams, that can be applied to the vagina or rectum prior to sexual intercourse, and providing antiretrovirals to people who are not infected with HIV but who are at high risk of acquiring HIV infection (called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)). NIAID is committed to finding scientifically proven HIV prevention strategies and methods that are acceptable for use by different patient populations around the world to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
To learn more about NIAID’s HIV prevention research activities, visit the HIV Prevention Research Page
To learn more about NIAID’s HIV vaccine research activities, visit the HIV Vaccine Research Page
back to top