How HIV Is Transmitted And The Prevention Methods

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Z3SPQDF38BND HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that mainly targets one's white blood cells or T cells which is needed by the immune system to function properly. As these white blood cells in the body become smaller in number, your immune system will not be able to fight off diseases effectively. As can be seen by many HIV carriers or AIDS patients, they are very sickly and will usually have complications in their health condition.

One must also understand that HIV may be carried on by an individual for many years without knowing he has one. When HIV has however made sufficient damage to the immune system he will likely develop AIDS.

HIV will not be spread however by merely touching, hugging or casual kiss. Using the same utensils or sitting in toilet seat or drinking from a water fountain will not cause this as well. It is through transfusion of infected blood that one catches HIV.

HIV is mainly transmitted in three ways by sex, sharing needles and being exposed to it by birth. Whether sex be vaginal, anal or oral one is likely to get the virus if it is an unprotected sex. Sharing needles and syringes will be a sure way as well of getting the virus. This is more dangerous for those who do drugs and steroids. Then there is the risk of getting HIV during birth or breastfeeding.

There are ways to prevent catching HIV and avoid eventually having AIDS. First is to abstain from having sex. Ideally, you should only have sex with another if you are exclusive with her or him and you know the other's health condition with regards to STDs. You will also limit your chances of acquiring HIV if you limit yourself to a single partner. Having multiple sex partners especially unprotected ones will be too risky for you.

To be safe, do not have sex when you are drunk. You will have the tendency to have unprotected sex being in this state. And even better, do not drink too much of alcohol and do not do drugs. This will be your safest bet against catching HIV.

It would also be best if you get tested for HIV. This ensures you know your current health status and so that you will not be infecting others with it. You should be responsible enough in handling this and take measures in dealing with it.

So have yourself checked regularly of HIV like in your annual medical check-up with your doctor. One way in testing for HIV will be to look if your blood has antibodies instead of directly looking for the presence of the virus itself. Tests of this kind may also involve collecting specimens from urine and oral fluids.

Always remember the ABCs of fighting HIV - A for abstinence of sex, drugs and alcohol, B for being faithful to your partner, and C for being careful with your health; and for those who are sexually active, C can always mean using condoms for protected sex.

Indeed, it is not easy to have HIV or AIDS. Aside from having a deteriorating health condition, there are others who will look down at you. Perceptions and judgments will be passed on you by many. It is advisable however for one to be strong about his condition and status and not be affected by what others are thinking.

If you will be allowing such negative thoughts to affect you, the more it will be bad for your health. Remember that your mind is a powerful thing be always careful with your thoughts and have a positive mental attitude. Your mental health will affect your physical health as well. So if you have HIV or AIDS, accept your current state of health and continue to live life with a positive frame of mind while you are medicating yourself. For one who is not HIV infected, keep it that way by remembering the ABCs of fighting HIV.

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