HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) spreads through body fluids and affects the immune system, the natural defense system of the human body that helps fight infections and diseases. If a person gets infected with HIV, he/she will find it difficult to fight other infections and diseases. This life threatening illness caused by the HIV is known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
India is marred by the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. So, it is time to beat the infection by getting informed about the prevention of HIV and pass it on to others.
Few things one can do to prevent HIV are:
- The main cause of HIV is unsafe sex with a HIV infected person. So it is necessary to talk to your partner about HIV testing and get tested before having sex. One can also reduce the risk of HIV infection by using condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can make you careless about practicing safe sex. So be very careful when you are under the effect of alcohol. Also, don’t share needles, syringes, razors and avoid sharing eyedroppers with others.
- If you are pregn4ant then get yourself checked for the infection. HIV can be passed on from a pregnant woman to her baby. If one finds out that he/she is infected then treatment during pregnancy can reduce the risk of passing on the infection to the baby.
- Unsafe sex with more than one person can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Hence, be careful before getting intimate with the opposite sex. Visit Manipal, the best medicine hospital to know more.