HIV is a known sexually transmitted disease that should be taken seriously when dealing with a sexually active person. Sex is a natural part of life, so take steps to make sure you and your partner are safe. The first step for a sexually active person who wants to protect themselves from HIV or AIDS is to find out more about the disease. Knowing how the disease spreads and the symptoms could lead to saving your life or that of others. The virus is concentrated in the blood and semen, although it is present in vaginal secretions, and the safest way to ensure you do not come into contact with HIV disease is to abstain from sexual intercourse and activity. Never share needles, steroids, hormones and/or any other medications you may be using. Be sure to disinfect any needles you use personally. Items such as razors, toothbrushes, blades (for cutting or scarring), and needles used for piercing or tattooing should never be shared with another individual. HIV is often transmitted in three ways: sexual: genital, anal, or oral sexual contact with mucosal exposure, parenteral: sharing needles or equipment contaminated with HIV disease, and perinatal: the unborn child comes into contact with infected body fluids. or from breast milk from mother to child. You may hear about safe sex options. These options should be your number one priority, regardless of whether you are sexually active or not. Safe sex is labeled as activities that carry a lower risk of blood exchange. Reducing these risks may include masturbation, kissing, oral sex with appropriate protection, touching or massage, and the use of clean or disinfected sex toys. Other sexual behaviors may result in... middle of paper... an illness, but with the exceptional help of medical professionals, understanding friends and family we can assure you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is important that you understand the importance of preventing infection of others. Avoid crowds that may host elderly or ill people, take all prescribed medications, take your temperature at least once a day, do not reuse cups without being properly washed, do not change pet bedding, avoid having reptiles as pets, and much more. . This disease not only affects you, but can cause infection of another individual without proper precautions. References www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hiv-aids-4264.html www.mayoclinic.com/health/hiv-aids/DS00005/DSECTION=symptoms Medical-Surgical Nursing (Collaborative Care patient-centered) 7th edition