AIDS is a deadly disease caused by an infectious HIV virus that has killed millions of people all over the globe.
HIV and AIDS strikes people from all backgrounds, gender and age. The only way to stay away from AIDS is to prevent it by adopting proper precautions, as there is no cure available. To help prevent the spread of HIV, Dr. Rina from Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, shares easy measures that can be easily incorporated in your life to prevent HIV and AIDS.
Avoid multi sexual partners
If you favour one night stands or you have multi sex partners, the chances of contracting HIV is high. Staying away from sexual activity involving contact with anyone's vaginal fluid or pre-seminal fluid is the best and most effective technique to avoid getting AIDS - says Dr. Rina.
Educate yourself
Some people feel HIV spreads through sharing food with HIV+ people. Get your facts about AIDS right - says Dr, Rina. HIV only spreads through transmission of certain bodily fluids carried by an infected person.
Go deep and find out which bodily fluids could result in acquiring HIV. Lastly, understand its diagnosis. Though there is no cure available in the market, there are numerous modern medicines which help to slow down the development of AIDS and help the person live a comfortable life.
Prevent HIV during pregnancy
There are huge chances of transmitting the HIV virus from an HIV affected mother to the infant during delivery or breastfeeding. Hence, in order to keep your baby safe, get an HIV test done when you are pregnant.
If tested positive, your doctor will prescribe anti-HIV drugs during pregnancy and delivery, which can reduce the risk of passing the virus to your baby. After delivery, choose formula milk or breast milk from an uninfected woman, advises Dr. Rina.
Use a condom every time you have sex
Dr Rina suggests that you use a new condom every time you have anal or vaginal sex. Women can prefer female condoms to be on the safer side. If you are opting for oral sex, use a condom, dental dam or plastic wrap to prevent the infection from being transmitted.
Check yourself regularly
Get yourself tested regularly to check your AIDS status. This will help you prevent passing the infection to others and timely treatment can help you lead a healthy lifestyle. Hence, get yourself tested, whenever you have sex with a new partner. The test is easy and the reports will be available in a few days or as soon as 20 minutes.
Avoid oily lubricants
Dr Rina says - using an oil based lubricant will weaken the condom and increase the chances of transmitting the fluid. Hence use water based lubricants instead of oil based lubricants to stay safe.
Avoid sharing needles
Do not share needles with anyone, which includes illegal drug use or any prescribed drug use at home. Sharing needles will lead to coming in contact with someone else's blood, putting you at risk of the HIV infection.
Health care practitioners should be cautious
A healthcare facility is at a huge risk of receiving AIDS. Hence, be careful while dealing with needles and sharp instruments. Make sure to wear gloves, mask and other protective gear to avoid contact with the blood of anyone who is infected with HIV.
Your personal items are only for you
Avoid sharing any of your personal items like razors or toothbrushes with anyone. Your personal items can have traces of blood and sharing these items with any new person can lead to transmission of blood and putting you at risk of catching the infection,according to the Times of India.

M.D