(What all should you do, so as not to get infected)

1.  Avoid sex with multiple partners or even with a single partner who in turn has multiple partners (ideally speaking stick to one single, absolutely faithful partner).
2. If sex is unavoidable, always wear a condom (though there is no guarantee, at least this offers the best protection) - e.g. during sex with a Community Sex worker. Other methods of contraception provide NO protection.
3. Avoid unnatural modes of sex (anal/ oral)
4. Avoid intravenous drug abuse - and if unavoidable at least don't share needles and syringes you can use disposable ones.
5. Take blood transfusions, only when you must and that too from a blood relative / friend and after getting it thoroughly tested.
6. Petting, Masturbation, Mutual Masturbation are the safest alternatives to sex.
7. Insist that your barber use a fresh blade every time he shaves / cuts your hair.
8. Always insist on disposable needles and syringes when taking shots.
9. Contact your local AIDS Counselling Centre / Government hospitals for any further clarifications.
10. Remember even a single act of unprotected intercourse (forget the complete act, even unprotected penetration without going the whole way) with an infected partner can lead to infection.

• Active research is going on at such a rapid rate, that a few of the concepts (true at the time of going to print) might turn out to be invalid in days / months to come.
• The write-up is an extremely simplified picture of the very complex disease process. The above stated points are accepted by the majority. However not all doctors/ specialists might be in agreement with all the points.

Dr Vivek Jain is Skin, VD and Sex specialist, practising in Baroda.