Table 1.

Risk-Reduction Messages That Benefit HIV-Positive Patients

Behavior recommendations for HIV-positive patients	Benefit for the HIV-positive patient’s health
Sexual behaviors
If you choose to have anal or vaginal intercourse, I recommend that you use a condom and lubricant every time.	Using condoms helps to protect you from getting infected with a new STI that could weaken your immune system or require you to take additional medications.
If you are having intercourse without a condom, I recommend regular examinations to check whether you acquire new STIs.	Regular examination will help you to start treatment for the STI early to prevent harm to your immune system.
Injection of drugs
If you choose to use drugs, I recommend that you consider a method other than injection, like snorting or smoking.	By not injecting, you reduce the risk of skin and soft tissue infections that may be difficult to treat.
If you choose to inject drugs, I recommend that you use a brand new sterile syringe for each injection and not share needles or works with another person.	By not sharing needles, you can avoid getting infected with Hepatitis C.
Drug use
I recommend that you consider quitting your use of drugs in the near future.	This will improve your overall health and reduce your chance of having a serious accident or a problem with your family or your work. It also will help you stick to your HIV medication schedule.
If you continue to use drugs, consider using them less often, using fewer kinds of drugs, or taking steps to make your drug use safer.	This will protect you from harmful interactions between street drugs and your HIV medications. This will help you become more aware of your surroundings and actions.
Alcohol use
[For women] I recommend you limit your drinking to no more than one drink a day, and never as many as four or more drinks on any one occasion.	This will improve your overall health. By helping you stay in control, this may protect you from accidents or family and work problems. This will help you stick to your HIV medication schedule, and will help reduce nausea and stomach problems caused by HIV medicines.
[For men] I recommend you limit your drinking to no more than two drinks a day, and never as many as five or more drinks on any one occasion.	This may help you get better, deeper sleep to keep you well.
	Cutting back on drinking could reduce feelings of depression.

STI, sexually transmitted infection.