HIV AIDS Prevention
HIV AIDS Prevention
Since there is no effective vaccine for HIV, aids prevention and treatment programs are currently being developed to help prevent further spreading of this social disease. In order to prevent aids, one needs to be educated about the disease and how one can avoid it. This means a drastic change in behavior and avoiding any contact with HIV infected fluids.
Individuals who are HIV-negative should make an effort to learn about the different aids prevention education programs. This means educating yourself and others about the infection, how it is transmitted and what are the complications. More important, it is critical for young teenagers to know about the different aids prevention education programs.
If you are sexually active, know the HIV status of all your sexual partners. Never engage in any type of unprotected sexual activity unless you are one hundred percent sure that your partner is not infected with HIV. Many schools have now instituted HIV aids prevention programs whereby young teens and adolescents are taught about use of condoms. Always use new latex or polyurethane condoms each time you have sexual intercourse. If you are unsure about the HIV status of your partner, use a new latex condom each time you have anal or vaginal sex. There are even some female condoms. For those who are allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are a great alternative. When using condoms avoid oil based lubricants and use water based instead. Oily based products can sometimes induce small perforations in the condom making them unsafe. Another aspect of HIV aids prevention program is to ensure that females who perform oral sex, wear a dental dam. There have been several cases of herpes outbreaks, gonorrhea and even cancer of the throat resulting from sexually transmitted infections.
Individuals who use intravenous drugs should always use a fresh needle and avoid sharing needles or syringes. There are many needle exchange programs all over the country for drug addicts. In North America and Europe, all blood products are screened before transfusion, but this is not so in many third world or developed countries. So try and avoid a transfusion in these places. If a transfusion is unavoidable, get an HIV test when you return back to America.
Whether you have HIV or not, do not share personal care products with anyone. Besides HIV, one can even acquire a vareity of skin fungal infections which are quite difficult to treat.
There are a number of decent anti HIV medications on the market but that does not mean consumers can now practice sex without a condom. These medications do not cure AIDS and only reduce the severity of symptoms.
At present, the best way to remain healthy and aids free, is to practice safe sex behavior and know about aids prevention and treatment programs.