HIV is a viral infection that affects the immune system, making it harder to fight off other diseases and infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS, a life-threatening condition that severely damages the immune system....CONTINUE READING
There is currently no cure for HIV, but there are effective treatments that can help people living with HIV lead healthy and productive lives. However, prevention is still the best way to avoid getting infected with HIV.
According to the World Health Organization, there were 37.7 million people living with HIV globally in 2020, and 1.5 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses. The majority of new HIV infections occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to prevention and treatment services is limited.
To reduce the risk of contracting HIV, it is important to be aware of the behaviors that can expose you to the virus and take steps to protect yourself and others. Here are five behaviors that can increase your chances of getting HIV:
1. Having Unprotected Sex With Multiple Partners
· The most common way of getting HIV is through sexual contact with someone who has the virus. The risk is higher if you have multiple sexual partners, especially if you do not know their HIV status or if they have other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can make HIV transmission easier.
To prevent HIV infection, you should always use a condom correctly and consistently every time you have sex, whether it is vaginal, anal, or oral. You should also get tested for HIV and other STIs regularly and encourage your partners to do the same.
2. Sharing Needles Or Syringes For Injecting Drugs
Another common way of getting HIV is through sharing needles or syringes with someone who has the virus. This can happen when people inject drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, or when they use needles for other purposes such as tattooing, piercing, or injecting steroids.
To prevent HIV infection, you should never share needles or syringes with anyone. You should always use new, sterile needles and syringes and dispose of them safely after use. You should also seek help for your drug use and consider joining a needle exchange program that can provide you with clean equipment and support.
3. Having Anal Sex Without A Condom
Anal sex is the riskiest type of sexual activity for HIV transmission, because the lining of the rectum is thin and fragile and can easily tear during sex, allowing the virus to enter the bloodstream. This is especially true for men who have sex with men (MSM), who account for a large proportion of new HIV infections in many countries.
To prevent HIV infection, you should always use a condom and plenty of lubricant when you have anal sex, regardless of your gender or sexual orientation. You should also get tested for HIV and other STIs regularly and talk to your doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill that can reduce your risk of getting HIV if you are at high risk.
4. Living In A Region With High Hiv Prevalence
· Your risk of getting HIV can also depend on where you live and the prevalence of the virus in your community. Some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, have a higher rate of HIV infection than others, due to factors such as poverty, stigma, discrimination, gender inequality, and lack of access to health services.
To prevent HIV infection, you should be aware of the HIV situation in your area and take precautions to protect yourself and others. You should also support efforts to improve HIV awareness, prevention, and treatment in your community and advocate for the rights and needs of people living with HIV.
5. Having A Blood Transfusion Or Organ Transplant From An Infected Donor
Although rare, it is possible to get HIV from receiving a blood transfusion or an organ transplant from a donor who has the virus. This can happen if the blood or organ is not tested for HIV before the procedure, or if the test fails to detect the virus.
To prevent HIV infection, you should make sure that the blood or organ you receive is screened for HIV and other infectious diseases. You should also ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure and the source of the blood or organ.
