4 ways to prevent HIV and AIDS
Lifestyle FashionThe phrase “prevention is better than cure” could not be used more appropriately when it comes to HIV and AIDS. A 2008 Bloomberg report indicated that nearly half of people in Singapore were unaware that condoms can prevent HIV infection. Since the end of 2013, there have been 6,229 reported cases of HIV-infected residents of Singapore, of whom 1,671 have died. A clear understanding of how you get HIV is the best way to prevent yourself from getting HIV.
These are the 4 ways to prevent HIV and AIDS:
1. Have protected sex
Of course, the most effective way to prevent HIV is abstinence. However, if abstinence is not possible, use condoms every time you have sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral). HIV is most commonly contracted by having sex with a person who has HIV or someone who has multiple sexual partners, which increases the risk of that person having HIV. Transfer of bodily fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid) through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner or even through mouth sores can allow the virus to enter your body. Therefore, the most effective way to prevent HIV through sex is to use a condom. An analysis of these studies found that the rate of HIV transmission was 80% lower among couples who said they always used condoms compared to couples who said they never used condoms. However, there is still the potential for condoms to break, slip, or leak even when used correctly, allowing exposure to occur. The link in the resource box shows the two types of condoms that can help prevent HIV transmission. Also, read more in the resource box for the fact sheet on how to use condoms effectively.
2. Limit your sexual partners
If you have more than one sexual partner, your risk of getting HIV is higher. Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and insist that your partner(s) do too. Having an STI can increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV.
3. Get tested and know your partner’s HIV status
Talk to your partner and get tested before engaging in any sexual activity. Having an open and understanding discussion about HIV with your partner is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your partner from getting HIV or any other sexually transmitted infection (STI). In 2013, 41% of new cases in Singapore already had late-stage HIV-2 infection when they were diagnosed. Early diagnosis and consistent antiretroviral treatment (ART) can allow HIV-positive people to live nearly normal lives. There are many centers approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) that provide HIV testing in Singapore.
4. Do not inject drugs
HIV can be transmitted through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia puts you at high risk for HIV and other infectious diseases, such as hepatitis. The best way to prevent this is not to use drugs, but if you do, use only sterile water and drug injection equipment and never share your equipment with others. Sharing drug equipment is the main cause of how HIV can be transmitted to the next user.
Understanding how HIV and AIDS cannot be transmitted is also important to avoid the negative stigma that surrounds people with HIV.
HIV is NOT transmitted by:
• Air or water
• Insects, including mosquitoes or ticks
• Saliva, tears or sweat
• Casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing plates/glasses
• Drinking water sources
• Toilet seats
Being aware of how you can get HIV and AIDS and knowing how to prevent infection can save your life, which clearly shows the importance of spreading this awareness especially to the people you love and care about.