Reducing risks - safer behaviours

HIV is an easily preventable infection that is primarily transmitted via sex and intravenous drug use. Understanding how the virus can be spread is essential for anyone wanting to avoid infection.

Sex
Drugs
Alcohol
Piercings and Tattoos

Sex

One of the most significant approaches to preventing the sexual transmission of HIV is referred to as the ’ABC model’:

A is for Abstinence

Many people choose to abstain from sex for a range of religious, cultural or personal reasons. Choosing not to have sex may mean never having intercourse, or delaying sex until marriage or the start of a committed faithful relationship.

It should be remembered that someone who abstains from sex is only safe from HIV infection if they also refrain from intravenous drug use.

B is for Being faithful

Sex within a monogamous relationship, where both partners are HIV negative, poses no risk of infection unless one or both partners are unfaithful. As committed or married couple may be less likely to use condoms, there is a significant risk of infection if one partner acquires HIV from a third party and then continues to have sex with their main partner.

The first few months of HIV infection (’Primary Infection’) is the period when someone will be at their most infectious because of the very high levels of HIV present in their body fluids. Although someone who has recently been infected will probably be unaware of their HIV status, they are also much more likely to unknowingly expose their partner(s) to the virus.

If a partner has been, or is suspected as being unfaithful, STI screening should be considered. Sexual abstinence or condom use will provide protection from infection.

It should be noted that an HIV negative couple that are consistently faithful to one another, could be at risk of HIV infection if one or both of them engage in intravenous drug use.

C is for Condom use

Male and female condoms, when used consistently and correctly, offer high levels of protection against HIV and other STIs. Anyone who is unaware of their own or their partner’s HIV status or concerned about infection can protect themselves and others by insisting on condom use every time.

Supplies of free condoms can now be obtained in Jersey by registering with the Condom Distribution Scheme.

Drugs

Drug use can pose a direct or indirect risk of HIV infection.

Intravenous drug use is associated with a high risk of direct HIV infection when needles, syringes or other equipment is shared. More information about the risks associated with intravenous drug use can be found on our Intravenous Drug Use and
Harm Reduction programme for IDUs pages.

All other forms of drug use may lead individuals to put themselves at increased risk of HIV infection. Drugs are often taken because they can make people feel more relaxed, confident and uninhibited. Drug use affects people’s abilities to make decisions and can therefore lead to unwanted or unprotected sex.

Carrying a supply of condoms is advisable for anyone who may have sex after taking drugs.

Alcohol

Alcohol use can present an indirect risk of HIV infection, in much the same way as non-injecting drug use. People frequently make choices about engaging in sexual activity when they have been drinking, that they would not have made if they were sober. A drunk person is less likely to be capable of suggesting or using condoms; something which can result in an unwanted pregnancy, an STI or both.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also result in memory loss to the extent that someone may not be able to remember who they were with or even the fact that they had sex.

Anyone concerned about putting themselves at risk as a result of drinking may want to consider limiting their consumption, alternating soft drinks with alcoholic ones and carrying a supply of condoms.

Piercings and Tattoos

There is no risk of HIV infection from having a tattoo or body piercing if proper hygiene and sterilisation procedures are followed. Everyone operating as a Tattooist or Piercer in Jersey is required by law to register with Health and Social Services and to follow a strict Code of Practice.

Anyone considering getting a piercing or tattoo whilst travelling overseas, should make thorough enquiries about how the equipment has been sterilised to avoid any possible risk of infection with HIV or another blood borne virus.

States of Jersey – Tattooing and Body Piercing
http://www.gov.je/HEALTH/HEALTHPROTECTION/INFECTION/Pages/Tattooing.aspx

Last update April 2010