HIV PREVENTION – PROACTIVELY PROTECT YOURSELF AND THE COMMUNITY

HIV PREVENTION – PROACTIVELY PROTECT YOURSELF AND THE COMMUNITY 

Join MSc. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Thùy Liên, Dermatology Specialist at CarePlus International Clinic  to learn how to live a healthier and more fulfilling life every day! 

⁉️ Did you know? 
HIV doesn’t discriminate, but you always have the power to choose a safe lifestyle and actively protect yourself. 

Although there is currently no cure for HIV, it is completely preventable through simple yet powerful actions. When you take proactive steps, you’re not only safeguarding your own health, but also helping to protect your loved ones and the broader community from this global epidemic. 

1️⃣ Who are at high risk of HIV infection? 

HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Individuals at higher risk include: 

▪️ Engaging in unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) 
▪️ Having multiple or non-monogamous partners with unknown HIV status 
▪️ Men who have sex with men (MSM) – higher risk due to biological factors affecting mucosal tissue 
▪️ History or current diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts... 
▪️ Having an HIV-positive partner or spouse, especially if they are untreated or non-adherent to treatment 
▪️ People who inject drugs or share needles/syringes or drug-injection equipment 
▪️ Working in high-risk environments with potential exposure to blood or body fluids (e.g. healthcare workers, tattoo artists, caregivers) without proper protective measures 
▪️ Pregnant women living with HIV who are not adequately treated may transmit the virus to their baby 

⚠️ Even a single instance of unprotected exposure is enough to contract HIV. 

2️⃣ Simple but effective ways to prevent HIV 

▪️ Always use condoms correctly and consistently (for vaginal, anal, and oral sex) 
▪️ Never share needles, razors, or tattooing equipment 
▪️ Get tested for HIV regularly, especially if you have risk behaviors 
▪️ Use PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) if you belong to a high-risk group 
▪️ Begin treatment early if you are HIV-positive: 
Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) 
▪️ Support your HIV-positive partner or spouse with regular treatment to live a healthy life and protect each other 

3️⃣ How often should you get tested for HIV and STIs? 

HIV and other STIs may not show symptoms in early stages, but they can still be transmitted and cause severe complications. 

Early testing before symptoms appear helps ensure timely treatment and prevent further spread: 

▪️ After high-risk exposure: 
▶️ HIV test after 2–6 weeks, then retest at 3 months 

▪️ While using PrEP: 
▶️ HIV: every 3 months 
▶️ STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia...): every 3–6 months 

▪️ If you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex: 
▶️ HIV & STIs test every 6 months 

▪️ Before major life events: 
▶️ Before marriage 
▶️ Before and during pregnancy 
▶️ Before surgery or blood donation 

4️⃣ Why should you get regular HIV/STI screenings? 

▪️ Early detection = early treatment – stop transmission 
▪️ Protect your partner/spouse/loved ones ▪️ Gain peace of mind regarding your physical, reproductive, and mental health 

💬 HIV is not spread through hugs, eye contact, or friendship... but it can be transmitted if you lack the right knowledge and preparation. You can live healthily, love freely, and protect those you care about — starting with awareness and timely action! 

🔸 At CarePlus, we offer confidential and comprehensive STI screening packages for both men and women, with personalized consultation and dedicated care from our medical team. 

▪️ Learn more about the STI Screening Package for Men here: 
https://www.careplusvn.com/.../tam-soat-cac-benh-lay... 

▪️ Learn more about the STI Screening Package for Women here: 
https://www.careplusvn.com/.../tam-soat-cac-benh-lay...