Staying safe from HIV

Pranati Chavali
Apr 18
2 min read

Updated: Apr 21

HIV is alarming – that is no new fact. The very mention of HIV or AIDS makes us shake in fear and wildly steer away from the topic. However, this response hurts a number of people, not to mention, those actually living with it. It is important to take some time out of our lives to learn about this issue.

What is HIV?

HIV is short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the cause of prominently a sexually transmitted disease, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This virus attacks and weakens the body’s immune system. This makes the person’s body become easy prey to simpler diseases and infections. It is this enhanced weakness to other diseases that could ultimately kill the person (in case proper treatment isn’t administered timely).

How does it spread?

The sharing of bodily fluids with an infected person spreads the virus. This sharing of fluids occurs through sexual contact, donating of blood, and breastfeeding. A child can also acquire HIV from an infected mother during pregnancy and delivery.

How do I keep myself safe?

The important thing to know is that the virus does not spread through ordinary contact like touching, hugging, kissing, or any other media like air and water. Thus, the steps to follow are simple.

Always follow safe sex practices

Safe sex practices, in the context of protection against HIV, means wearing condoms (either on the penis or the vagina). Most forms of birth control only protect against unwanted pregnancies, but do not keep one safe from viruses like HIV. Wearing a condom is necessary even if the sex is not penetrative, like oral or anal.

Get tested regularly (regardless of gender, age, and sexuality)

Getting yourself and your sexual partner(s) tested regularly for HIV is a good idea. It helps in early detection and immediate treatment. Once a person with HIV begins their antiretroviral therapy (ART), the risk of transmission is low. Moreover, their partners can take appropriate safety measures in their life.

Know your sexual partner’s HIV status

It’s not a bad thing to know of your partner’s HIV status if you are just starting out. If you or your partner have been freshly diagnosed with HIV, communication is vital. You can discuss appropriate measures with your healthcare provider for additional precaution against HIV for the non-infected partner in the relationship. Knowing your partner’s HIV status also helps build a proper support network in case they test positive.

Do not share needles or drug equipment

Even if you do not engage in sexual practices, you need to be careful with injections, blood donations, and drug equipment. Whether or not someone has HIV, you should never share any such equipment with another person. Do not donate blood either if you have HIV.

These were some simple safety practices that you and everyone close to you can practice to keep yourself safe! If you want detailed information regarding these topics, check out the reference links below. =D