The National Prevention Information Network reports that many people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, are unaware of their status and unknowingly pass the it on to others. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An estimated 58,000 new cases of HIV infection occur each year in the United States. While effective new drug therapies are keeping HIV-infected people healthier longer, taking some simple precautions can help to reduce or eliminate the risk of infection altogether.
Get Tested
According to the AIDS charity Avert, everyone should know his HIV status. Individuals who are sexually active, use intravenous drugs or who have received a blood transfusion outside of the U.S. should be tested for HIV. By knowing his status, an individual can prevent spreading the infection to others. Testing for HIV requires a simple blood test. Many neighborhood health clinics offer free or reduced price testing.
Know Partner's Status
HIV-AIDS-Test-Kit.com reports that individuals should not engage in sex with a new partner unless they know the HIV status of that partner. Even if individuals plan on having condom-protected sex, it is still important to know the HIV status of a partner as condom use is not 100 percent fail-proof at protecting against HIV infection.
Use a Condom
While not 100 percent effective, condom use is still an effective means of preventing the spread of HIV among sexually active individuals, the National Prevention Information Network reports. Individuals should use a new condom every time they have sex. Condoms should be used during oral, vaginal or anal sex. Many local health clinics provide free condoms to the community. Condoms can break, develop small tears, or be used incorrectly, therefore abstaining from sexual activity is the only guaranteed way to prevent sexually transmitted HIV infection.
Do Not Share Needles
Individuals who share needles for injection of intravenous drug use are at a high risk for HIV infection. While abstaining from the use of intravenous drugs is the best prevention, Avert reports that some neighborhoods have needle exchange programs. These programs are designed to offer individuals who insist on using intravenous drugs access to clean needles and provide safe disposal of used needles. In addition, these programs offer referrals to drug treatment centers and drug abuse and HIV counseling services.
Know The Facts About Blood Transfusions
According to the National Prevention Information Network, blood transfusions in the United States are typically safe because the blood donation process is selective and blood donated is screened for HIV. Other countries may not have such strict guidelines. Individuals who must have a blood transfusion in countries where the blood screening process is lax or absent should get tested for HIV three months and six months after receiving the transfusion.
Prevent Mother-Child Infection During Childbirth
Avert reports that HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and breast feeding. Some precautions may be taken to reduce this risk of transmission. Women can take a course of antiretroviral medications during their pregnancies and labors. Having a cesarean section instead of natural childbirth will reduce the baby's exposure to the mother's bodily fluids. Lastly, HIV-positive mothers are encouraged not to breast feed their babies due to risk of infection through the breast milk.
