AIDS: Prevention is the only Way out.

Understanding HIV and AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which is largely responsible for the outbreak of AIDS. This virus is communicated from one human being to another. Person having HIV virus inside the body is known as HIV Positive. In general, people start thinking that an HIV positive is suffering from AIDS but this is not the case. Actually, the entry of HIV in the body starts lowering the immunity of the human body gradually. Weak immune system makes body vulnerable towards getting infected on a regular basis.

The symptoms of various maladies start becoming visible in an HIV positive person after eight to ten years of diagnosis and this situation is called AIDS.

How HIV is communicated?

HIV develops if a person had unprotected sex (without the use of condom) with the HIV positive male or female. Danger becomes imminent when infected blood is administered to a person. HIV can also spread to a baby delivered by an HIV positive lady or through her milk.

While taking blood samples, if disposable syringe is not used or needle is not sterilized than a person is literally exposed to HIV.

Myths about AIDS

It is a myth that kissing causes AIDS, however, if a person affected from AIDS has a cut in the mouth or swelling in gums than the problem can aggravate. Handshake, hugging, using one toilet, drinking water from the same glass, sneezing or coughing doesn’t spread infection.

HIV cannot survive for long outside the body so it doesn’t spread through either water or air. Embedding tattoo on the body is also safe only if the instrument to be used is sterilized.

Diagnostic tests for HIV

For diagnosing whether a person is HIV positive or not, the only method is getting necessary blood test done. There are numerous certified diagnostic as well as counselling centres for HIV worldwide but people must remain aware of the quack doctors and centres. In most of the cases, the identity of a person is kept confidential.

Such test becomes a necessity in cases where people who had sexual relations with multiple partners in one year, unprotected sexual relation with same-sex partner, if a person is a health worker and comes in direct contact with blood & also pregnant ladies.