A variable that increases the risk of something. For example, smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer.  Risk factors for HIV include anal or vaginal sex, unprotected sex, injection drug use, sexually transmitted infection, and other factors.

If you are in a high risk group, or engage is high risk activities, consider using PrEP and finding other ways to mitigate your risk.  And get tested! Because if you do have HIV, starting treatment immediately can make and keep your virus undetectable which means you’re protecting yourself and your community.