AIDS Stigma – Fight by HIV Prevention

In the figures of AIDS 2008, there is an additional 2.7 newly infected individuals worldwide, now making 33.4 million people who are living with HIV. And this incurable disease has killed 2 million just last year. Although the figures for 2009 show that there has been a notable response to the prevention efforts, the increase in numbers still outweigh it. The optimistic efforts to educate people and the treatments that enable prolonged life and better health seem to work too slowly.

Since there is no cure for this AIDS, there is no better solution to the problem other than prevention. But how do you effectively prevent HIV from taking toll on you? First, know how this disease is being transferred. Second, avoid every single aspect that will bring you near it.

You can be infected with human immunodeficiency virus in four primary ways. One is using a contaminated needle or syringe. It can also be acquired through sexual intercourse with an infected person through anal, oral and vaginal sex. Another is through blood transfusion. And of course, AIDS is transferred by mother-to-unborn-child.

Do not fear that you will be infected by AIDS if you sit beside someone who has it. You cannot catch the virus the way you catch flu and colds. There is nothing to worry if you have eaten food prepared by an HIV positive individual. It is not transferable through saliva, so you don't get HIV by sharing eating and drinking utensils. It is also safe to share with them toilets, telephones, and clothes. Mosquitoes and other insects cannot transfer it as well.

Prevent from being injected with contaminated needle or syringe. Do not be afraid or shy of asking your doctor or nurse whenever you need to be injected. It is your right. In fact, it is ok to ask them that they open a new syringe in front of you. Abusing drugs by injecting them in the veins is often done by sharing syringe. Thus, never put your life at risk by going out with such people and actually be pressured to join them.

Blood transfusion can be real risky. Not all blood made available in blood banks and hospitals are screened well from any contamination. So it is never advisable to put foreign blood into your veins. It is still the patients' choice whether or not to undergo blood transfusion. If, however, there is an effective alternative medicine that can be used, consider it very seriously.

Sexual abstinence is the only sure way to prevent acquiring HIV through sex. Do not have sexual relations with someone whom you are not married with. It is also wise to have your mate screened before you get married, especially if he or she have had sexual relations before. And then, be faithful to your marriage mate. If you have known or suspects your mate is infected, be firm to refuse having sex with him or her. The disease cannot be detected until six months. So if you think you mate have had sexual intercourse with anyone except you, wait for 6 months or more to verify your suspicion through a test. Proper and consistent use of condom can be an effective protection.

The internet has tons of valuable information on how you can protect your self from the incurable HIV. Be wise to make use of it all. This year's celebration of the World AIDS Day is another opportunity to gain more knowledge about it. It will also be beneficial to you and to others if you join and support this international event. Every health care worker in their medical uniforms can particularly help in this move.