Can Kaposi sarcoma be prevented? Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is caused
by the Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV). There are no vaccines
at this time to protect people against KSHV. For now, preventing
KS depends on reducing the chance of becoming infected with KSHV
and reducing the chance that people who are infected with KSHV
will develop KS. Most cases of KS in the United States occur in
people with AIDS. Taking measures to avoid becoming infected
with HIV could prevent most cases of KS in this country. - Since
HIV can be spread through sex, avoiding unprotected sex with
people infected with HIV could help prevent these infections.
Many people with HIV don’t know that they are infected, so many
public health workers recommend using a condom during any sexual
contact. (A condom may not be needed if both people are HIV-
negative and are in a mutually monogamous relationship).
Abstinence is the most effective protection. - HIV can also be
spread through the use of contaminated (dirty) needles to inject
recreational drug