Stopping HIV shouldn’t be solely doable—it’s simpler than ever with the precise data, instruments, and assist. Whether or not you’re defending your self or searching 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 precise assets, they’ll make decisions that shield their well being and the well being of others. Prevention isn’t nearly particular person habits—it’s about constructing a tradition of consciousness, compassion, and duty.
1. Apply Safer Intercourse
Use Condoms Constantly and Appropriately
- Condoms are one of the crucial efficient methods to stop HIV and different sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Out there in male, feminine, and dental dam kinds
- Use each time, from begin to end
Know Your Associate’s Standing
- Encourage open, sincere conversations
- Get examined collectively repeatedly
2. Get Examined and Know Your Standing
- Everybody ought to get examined for HIV at the least as soon as; extra typically if sexually lively or at greater threat
- Early analysis results in higher outcomes and prevents transmission
- Free and confidential testing is on the market in lots of clinics and neighborhood facilities
3. Contemplate Preventive Remedy
PrEP (Pre-Publicity Prophylaxis)
- A each day tablet for HIV-negative folks at excessive threat
- Reduces the chance of getting HIV from intercourse by 99%, and from injection drug use by at the least 74%
PEP (Publish-Publicity Prophylaxis)
- Emergency medicine taken inside 72 hours after doable HIV publicity
- Have to be taken for 28 days
- Not a substitute for normal prevention strategies
4. Keep away from Sharing Needles or Tools
- At all times use new, sterile needles for injecting medication, hormones, or steroids
- Needle trade applications present clear tools and protected disposal
5. Stop Mom-to-Youngster Transmission
- Pregnant girls ought to get examined early in being pregnant
- ART throughout being pregnant, supply, and breastfeeding can cut back the chance of transmission to lower than 1%
6. Common STI Screenings
- Having an untreated STI can improve the chance of contracting or transmitting HIV
- Common screening ensures early remedy and reduces general threat
7. Promote Training and Scale back Stigma
- Educate your friends and neighborhood
- Use respectful, non-stigmatizing language
- Help folks dwelling with HIV with out judgment
Prevention is a Shared Accountability
HIV prevention isn’t only a private selection—it’s a public well being effort. When extra folks 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 like, and why realizing your standing is a robust act of self-care and prevention.