The Basics of HIV Prevention
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a health challenge globally. Despite advancements in treatment and awareness, preventing HIV transmission is crucial in reducing the chances of new infections. This article outlines the basics of HIV prevention, emphasising safe practices and medical interventions.
Understanding HIV
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, making a person highly vulnerable to catching other infections and diseases. HIV disease is primarily spread through the exchange of the bodily fluids of an infected person, typically during unprotected sex or through sharing of injection drug equipment.
HIV can be transmitted if these fluids come in contact with open cuts, sores, or mucous membranes or are directly injected into the blood. Further, HIV disease can also be transmitted from the infected parent during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This is known as prenatal transmission of HIV.
Knowing these transmission routes is essential in following effective HIV prevention methods.
Tips for HIV Prevention
1. Safe Sex Practices
HIV disease can be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, including semen, vaginal fluids, and other substances, with another person. Here are the various ways to prevent HIV transmission through sexual encounters:
1. Use protection
Using condoms during sex is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of HIV transmission as it acts as a barrier, preventing the exchange of fluids during intercourse.
Make sure to use latex condoms for people with penises or vaginal condoms to lower the chances of transmission of HIV or other STDs. When using a condom, also consider using a silicone-based or water-based lube to minimise the possibility that the condom breaks or falls off.
Finally, understand how to wear a condom correctly to avoid malfunction.
2. Test regularly for HIV and other STDs
It is important to regularly get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases to manage health and prevent transmission to others.
Early detection of HIV can lead to timely management of HIV symptoms, prompt treatment and a reduced chance of unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.
3. Limit the number of sexual partners
The chances of contracting HIV disease might increase with the number of sexual partners someone has. This is because each sexual partner might have a sexual history with other people who may have transmitted HIV or other STDs.
So, limiting the number of sexual partners can decrease the likelihood of encountering someone with HIV, thereby reducing the overall risk of infection.
2. Safe encounter with needles
Using unsterilised needles to take IV or illegal drugs or sharing needles with other people can increase the chances of contracting HIV disease and other infections like hepatitis.
3. Take Medication
Medication can significantly lower the chances of contracting HIV disease.
When to Get Tested for HIV?
It is important to get tested for HIV if someone has engaged in behaviour that puts them at a higher risk of getting HIV or if they suspect they have been exposed to it.
Talk to a healthcare professional about an HIV test. If the result is positive, it can help manage the disease by ensuring timely treatment with medication and preventing transmission to others.
Contact a healthcare professional to learn more about HIV disease and visit Dr Lal PathLabs for an HIV test.
FAQs
1. What is Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?
PEP is an emergency medication taken within 72 hours after potential HIV exposure to prevent infection
2. Can HIV-positive individuals reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others?
Yes, HIV-positive individuals can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others through timely treatment with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
