The Basics of HIV Prevention

The spread of HIV from one person to another is called HIV transmission. People can get affected with HIV only when there is an occurrence of certain activities like sexual relationships or injection for the use of drugs. HIV gets transmitted in certain fluids of the body from a person who already has the disease:

• Semen
• Blood
• Rectal fluids
• Pre-seminal fluids
• Breast milk
• Vaginal fluids

The transmission of HIV takes place only when the above fluids are in contact with the damaged tissue or mucous membrane, or they are getting directly injected inside the bloodstream.

HIV can even spread from a mother to her child at the time of her pregnancy, during breastfeeding, or during delivery and labor. However, the disease cannot get spread from one human being to another due to hugging, handshaking, or kissing. The latest technological developments today help in quick HIV home test. You can easily get the kits available online to check whether you are getting positive with HIV or not.

How Can You Reduce The Risk Of Getting Infected With HIV?

• Get Tested: This is the first thing that you must be doing after getting intimate with your partner. Either visit the centers for the test or conduct a self-test at home.
• Opt For Less Risky Sexual Activities: HIV mainly spreads if you are indulging in vaginal or anal sex without taking the required precautions.
• Use Condoms: Make a habit of using condoms every time you are getting intimate. Know the correct use of the condoms from several fact sheets, which you get easily available online these days.
• Limit the Sexual Partners: The more sexual partners you have, the more you are at risk of getting HIV transmitted in your body.
• Never Inject Drugs: It is always best to avoid drugs, but if you are at all using it, use water and sterile drug injection. Never share yours with someone else.

If you are facing real symptoms of the disease, consult your health care professional at the earliest. Moreover, there are many modern HIV medicines these days which help people to live a healthier and longer life.