Prevent HIV/ AIDS

These diseases have been wreaking havoc on humankind since the first reported cases in 1981. It was believed to only affect the homosexuals at first, but that notion was quickly dismissed after it was realized that HIV and AIDS can affect anyone. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. They are both considered to be sexually transmitted diseases even though sex is not necessary to transmit them. It is very important to know exactly how HIV and AIDS can be contracted, so that you can take the necessary precautions. Here are the main ways that HIV and AIDS are spread. Learn these and then share this information with other people so that we can put an end to this pandemic.

1. Vaginal or anal intercourse – Semen, pre-ejaculate, and vaginal fluid will contain HIV or AIDS if the partner is infected. That is why it is important to always use a latex condom during intercourse until you and your partner are both tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Lambskin condoms, which are made from a lamb’s intestines, are effective as a contraceptive but are NOT effective against preventing diseases such as HIV and AIDS. When choosing a condom, a latex variety is the safest bet. Studies have shown that spermicidal condoms may actually increase the chances of transmission.

2. Breastfeeding – Many children contract HIV and AIDS because their infected mother breastfed them. Many mothers are not aware that the diseases can be transmitted this way, so awareness needs to be increased. Over two million people have died from HIV or AIDS so far, and 300,000 of them were children. This doesn’t even give them a chance to lead a normal life, which is tragic.

3. Pregnancy and Birth – If a mother is infected by one of these viruses, it is also possible for a child to contract them while they are still in the uterus or during childbirth. A child being able to escape the womb of an infected woman without being infected themselves is a miracle, but to contract it through breastfeeding afterward is simply heartbreaking.

4. Open wounds – If blood is transferred through the open wound of an infected person, it is possible that the viruses could be transmitted. There were several cases where recipients of blood transfusions ended up becoming infected with these viruses because the blood either wasn’t tested or it slipped through the cracks. Many precautions are taken now to prevent something like that from happening.

5. Sharing Needles – Intravenous drug use can pass infected blood to others, which may transmit the viruses.

Becoming familiar with the ways that HIV and AIDS are transmitted is essential if we ever want to get past this. Millions of lives have already been claimed by this virus and the numbers are increasing every single day. There is no cure available as of yet, but some vaccines are in development. For now, there are drugs available to suppress symptoms.