A person who has HIV has difficulty fighting off other infections. You can help protect the person from infections.

Avoid close contact with people who have contagious illnesses until their symptoms have disappeared. This includes illnesses such as colds, the flu, or stomach flu.

Wear a surgical-type mask and wash your hands before approaching or touching the person with HIV if you have a cold or flu.
Get an annual flu shot to reduce the chance of getting the flu and infecting others.

Avoid close contact with the person who has HIV if you have skin infections such as boils, cold sores, fever blisters (herpes simplex), or shingles (herpes zoster).

Ask your doctor whether you should have any boosters or shots for measles, mumps, or rubella, since these shots may not have been available when you were a child.

Get the special form of polio shot known as Salk or inactivated virus vaccine if you need a polio shot.

Contact the doctor of the person who has HIV within 24 hours if the person has not had:
A measles immunization and he or she is exposed to measles. A medication is available that, if given promptly, may help prevent measles.

Chickenpox and he or she is exposed to chickenpox or shingles. Chickenpox can make a person with HIV very sick. For more information, see the topic Chickenpox (Varicella).

Learn how to handle food properly. The care and handling of food requires some special considerations. These rules are good for everyone.

Avoid having a person who has HIV clean pet litter or living areas, such as cages and tanks.