Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
About HIV and AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have been a global concern ever since its existence and impact was known to mankind. Although the level of awareness about the illness along with precautions to avoid it has been increasing every day.
There are still many people in large magnitudes who are not quite aware of the basic measures one can take to reduce their risk of falling prey to this deadly virus.
Studies suggest that one among five people living with HIV have no idea that they are already infected by the virus. Thus, the people who have no clue of themselves being infected with HIV, unknowingly form 20% of the population who unintentionally give rise to 70% of the new HIV cases.
For one to be infected by HIV there’s only one way: the virus has to blend with the individual’s bloodstream. This brings us to the causes or how one can get infected with HIV—
- Injecting used needles into one’s body
- Sexual intercourse (oral, anal or vaginal)
- Using needles that have not been sterilized (these can be needles used for tattoos as well as piercings)
- Pregnancy (an infant can get infected from her mother if she’s infected)
AIDS is one such chronic disease that can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.
Now here are some steps you can take to avoid being at the risk of getting infected by the deadly virus—
- Use protection while having sex. Condoms are the best way to avoid risks of transmission of the virus from one person to another.
- Buy disposable syringes for all medical purposes to ensure that you are not using already used needles.
- When going for a piercing or a tattoo, make sure the needle being used is properly sterilized.
- If you are pregnant while being infected with the virus, speak to your doctor immediately. There’s a list of medicines that can stop the transmission of the virus from the mother to the unborn fetus.
- When being at a hospital or any other unhygienic environment, try wearing gloves and take precautions so that there’s no bloodstream contact happening.
- Try participating in campaigns to spread more awareness about the virus and its impact so that people can take some basic measurements to avoid the risk of it. After all its always better to be safe than sorry.