We always hear the news about how many people are infected with HIV and what the government or community is doing to prevent it. We see campaigns, seminars, etc. taking place to make people aware of the dreadful effect of HIV.
The reason everyone is so concerned about this disease is that if steps are not taking earlier, it cannot be cured. Moreover, it can spread to other people also.
HIV is a virus that destroys the immune cells. So, the body loses the capacity to fight infections. If it is not prevented or treated earlier, then it can progress to AIDS. This is a stage when the immune system is damaged seriously. The survival rate is very low in this case.
HIV spreads through the contact of blood, semen, rectal fluids, and vaginal fluids. It can also spread from the breast milk of the infected person. So, if the mother has HIV, the child can have it too through breastfeeding. In most cases, the virus is spread through unsafe sex and injecting of drugs. Here are the ways you can prevent HIV/AIDS.
Practicing safe sex
As HIV spreads through bodily fluids, you should practice safe sex. You should use a condom all the time. Make sure you wear it properly so that it doesn’t come out or break. You should also limit having sex with fewer partners. Before having sex, it is better to get your partner tested for HIV. That way, you will reduce the chance of having HIV.
Not sharing needles
Many people take drugs using needles. This is very risky. Sharing needles increases the chance of having HIV. Even when in hospitals, blood samples should be taken using fresh needles. Make sure that the hospital staff is not using a used needle. Even when piercing or tattoo, you should make sure that a clean and sterilized needle is used.
There are certain medications that can reduce your chances of having HIV. If you think your partner may be HIV positive, then you can take prophylaxis so that you don’t have HIV.
Testing during pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you should get tested for HIV. If you have HIV, it is likely that your child will have it too. Even breastfeeding the baby can spread HIV to your child. There are medicines available that can help prevent this virus get into your child’s body.
You should get tested for HIV if you think you have practiced unsafe sex or used a needle. If it is detected earlier, you will have a better chance of survival.