Various Best And Effective Ways For HIV Prevention

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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes damage to the body’s immune system and makes the body defenceless against many life-threatening diseases and infections. If gone untreated, HIV can cause AIDS in most people, which is the later stage of HIV, and feared by all due to the serious complications of this condition. Some people remain only carriers and pass on the infection to others.

This virus gets transmitted when infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions of the affected person come in contact with the mucous membranes or broken skin of another healthy individual. HIV may also get transmitted from an HIV infected mother to the child before or during birth while feeding breast milk. Very rarely, HIV may also get transmitted through blood transfusions and blood clotting factors. HIV can lead to serious complications like development of AIDS which is very difficult to cure. Hence, it is better to take preventive measures to avoid getting infected by this deadly virus.

Best Preventive Measures For Hiv Infection

Get Yourself Tested

If you are at high risk of contracting this infection due to the kind of lifestyle you live, or you fear you have been exposed to this virus, it is best to get yourself tested so that proper medications can be taken at an early stage to prevent it from getting serious.

You should get yourself tested once in every six months if you are a high risk individual. Untreated HIV can turn into full blown AIDS within a year.

Protected Sexual Intercourse

HIV can be transmitted from an infected individual to a healthy one during sexual intercourse through pre-cum, ejaculation, vaginal secretions, and also from the anus. Therefore, it is important to use condoms during sexual intercourse.

You can’t be sure if your partner is carrying the infection, and the best way to prevent getting infected is to use protection. Also, protection should be used in all kinds of sexual contacts, whether it is vaginal, oral or anal. This will form a barrier for HIV and prevent its spread.

Do Not Reuse Needles Or Syringes

HIV can get transmitted when the same syringe or needle that has been used to inject an individual who is a carrier is used on another healthy individual.

Intravenous drug users should ensure the use of fresh needles every time they inject themselves and dispose off the used one. Always use a sterile needle and never share it. This will help prevent HIV from getting transmitted.

Safe Razor And Blade

HIV can easily spread in salons as many people come there for haircuts and shaving purpose. Never share your razor with anyone, and always ensure that your barber is using a fresh blade and a cleansed razor while shaving or trimming the hair.

Although this risk is not very high, yet it’s important to take good precautionary measures to prevent HIV infection.

Avoid Drug And Alcohol Abuse

People who are addicted to drugs and take them intravenously can spread or contract the HIV infection by the use of shared needles which might be infected.

Also, a person’s risk of contracting HIV infection increases due to alcohol and drugs abuse as these substances reduce inhibitions and may result in the individuals engaging in risky social behaviour, such as unprotected sex, which exposes them to this deadly virus. Therefore, it is essential to avoid such substances and lead a healthy life which will help prevent HIV infection.

Pregnant Women Should Get Tested

HIV infection can easily get passed from an infected mother to the child before or after birth from the breast milk. It is best to get yourself tested if you are pregnant, so that timely treatment will prevent the infection from getting transmitted to the baby.

Discuss with your doctor what options will be best if you are diagnosed HIV positive. Certain medications can be taken during pregnancy that helps reduce this risk.

Practice Monogamy

Having multiple sexual partners can increase your risk of contracting the HIV infection. It is best to practice monogamy, that is, to be sexually active with only one partner. This will help prevent you from contracting this deadly virus, as well as many other sexually transmitted diseases.

Both the partners should still get themselves tested and share the results with one another. Continue using condoms even if you are staying with one partner.

Get The Medication Immediately After Exposure

As soon as you suspect you have been in a risky position and you might have contracted HIV, consult a doctor immediately. Post exposure prophylaxis drugs are prescribed to lower your chances of contracting the virus, but these drugs work best when used within 48-72 hours after exposure and help to prevent HIV infection.

These drugs are quite strong and come with their side effects, being used in high risk cases such as, sexual assault or in health care workers.

Consider Male Circumcision

Male circumcision is said to be very helpful in preventing the transmission of HIV infection, and helps reduce your risk of acquiring HIV. Consider this option and discuss with your doctor how to go about it. Circumcision is considered a very healthy practice as it helps maintain hygiene and prevents many other infections as well.

Use Microbicides

Microbicides are available as gels, creams, pills or sprays, and help to destroy bacteria and viruses upon contact. These agents can be used to prevent HIV transmission during both vaginal and anal intercourse.

Although, condoms are the best options, these can be considered in the absence of condoms, or work well during breakages.

Healthy Diet

Eat a diet high in organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Choose lean, low fat sources of proteins such as fish and chicken. Include lots of protein rich foods such as dairy and dairy products in your diet.

Use healthy oils like canola or olive oil for cooking. Avoid too much sugar, foods with added sugar, preserved foods, and refined flours. Alcohol consumption and too many soft drinks can weaken your immune system. Eat a healthy diet that makes your immune system stronger in order to prevent HIV infection.

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