According to Mayo Clinic, HIV is a life threatening illness caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Body.com states that the virus can be transmitted via blood, genital secretions and breast milk. Since HIV cannot be cured, it is crucial to learn how not to get this illness, and if a person already carries the virus, how not to give it to other people.
Preventing Sexual Transmission
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the main method of transmission for HIV, is unprotected sex with an infected partner. According to the MedicineNet.com, it takes approximately six months from the time of infection for the HIV virus to show in tests. Thus, the best way to protect against HIV is to abstain from sex with a new partner for six months. After this time, both partners should be tested for HIV. The second way to prevent HIV transmission is to wear a condom. Although HIV transmits more easily via semen than vaginal secretions, it is still possible to get the HIV virus from a woman via oral sex. Thus, using a latex barrier, such as a latex sheet or dental dam, while performing oral sex, can prevent HIV virus transmission.
Preventing Needle Transmissions
Besides sexual transmission, HIV is also commonly received via contaminated needles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, many injection users are still sharing needles, and HIV is easily spread via these contaminated needles. Thus, in order to avoid AIDS transmission a person should always use clean, sterile needles. HIV can also be received in tattoo and body piercing saloons via infected instruments. It is wise to avoid such places, unless a person can verify that their instruments are sterile.
Preventing Mother-Fetus Transmission
The Body.com states, that a women can give the HIV virus to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth. It has been shown, however, that the risk of giving the HIV to a baby can be reduced by taking a medication called AZT during pregnancy and delivering the baby via cesarean. A baby can also get HIV via breast milk, so a child should never be fed with infected milk.
Preventing Transmission from Blood Products
It is unlikely to get HIV via blood products or organ donations since these have been tested for antibodies to HIV since 1985, according to the Mayo Clinic. Yet, blood products and organ donations still carry a small risk for the infection if the person has donated blood before the virus can be detected from his blood. Thus, such products should not be used unless they are absolutely needed.
Preventing Transmission among Health Care Workers
The risk of getting HIV from a patient is very small for health care workers if they are careful. Yet, according to Body.com, some HIV transmissions have been reported after accidental injuries from needles. Health care workers should be especially careful when handling sharp instruments and they should always wear gloves to prevent HIV transmission.
