How can human immunodeficiency virus be prevented?

Because the most common exposure to HIV occurs through sexual contact, the risk of contracting the virus is lowered significantly by having fewer sexual partners, by always using condoms, and by getting regular HIV testing if engaging in risky activity. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) consists of drugs that can be taken to lower the risk of infection. PrEP can be taken daily to prevent infection or only before and after unprotected sex. Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) can also be taken within 72 hours of being exposed to the virus to lower the risk of becoming infected. ^[1]