Stopping HIV just isn’t solely attainable—it’s simpler than ever with the proper information, instruments, and assist. Whether or not you’re defending your self or looking for somebody you care about, this publish will information you thru confirmed HIV prevention strategies and how one can be a part of the answer.
Why HIV Prevention Issues
Each new HIV an infection is preventable. When individuals are knowledgeable and outfitted with the proper assets, they will make selections that defend their well being and the well being of others. Prevention isn’t nearly particular person conduct—it’s about constructing a tradition of consciousness, compassion, and duty.
1. Follow Safer Intercourse
Use Condoms Constantly and Accurately
- Condoms are one of the vital efficient methods to stop HIV and different sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Accessible in male, feminine, and dental dam types
- Use each time, from begin to end
Know Your Accomplice’s Standing
- Encourage open, sincere conversations
- Get examined collectively frequently
2. Get Examined and Know Your Standing
- Everybody ought to get examined for HIV at the very least as soon as; extra usually if sexually energetic or at larger danger
- Early analysis results in higher outcomes and prevents transmission
- Free and confidential testing is on the market in lots of clinics and group facilities
3. Think about Preventive Medicine
PrEP (Pre-Publicity Prophylaxis)
- A day by day capsule for HIV-negative individuals at excessive danger
- Reduces the danger of getting HIV from intercourse by 99%, and from injection drug use by at the very least 74%
PEP (Publish-Publicity Prophylaxis)
- Emergency medicine taken inside 72 hours after attainable HIV publicity
- Have to be taken for 28 days
- Not a substitute for normal prevention strategies
4. Keep away from Sharing Needles or Tools
- All the time use new, sterile needles for injecting medication, hormones, or steroids
- Needle alternate packages present clear tools and protected disposal
5. Stop Mom-to-Youngster Transmission
- Pregnant ladies ought to get examined early in being pregnant
- ART throughout being pregnant, supply, and breastfeeding can cut back the danger of transmission to lower than 1%
6. Common STI Screenings
- Having an untreated STI can improve the danger of contracting or transmitting HIV
- Common screening ensures early remedy and reduces total danger
7. Promote Training and Cut back Stigma
- Educate your friends and group
- Use respectful, non-stigmatizing language
- Assist individuals residing with HIV with out judgment
Prevention is a Shared Duty
HIV prevention isn’t only a private selection—it’s a public well being effort. When extra individuals use safety, get examined, and entry remedy, everybody advantages. Prevention is empowerment. It’s love, duty, and look after your self and for others.
Coming Subsequent: Testing for HIV — The First Step Towards Empowerment
In our subsequent publish, we’ll speak about how, when, and the place to get examined for HIV, what the method seems to be like, and why realizing your standing is a strong act of self-care and prevention.