Stopping HIV isn’t solely potential—it’s simpler than ever with the fitting information, instruments, and assist. Whether or not you’re defending your self or looking for somebody you care about, this submit 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 persons are knowledgeable and geared up with the fitting assets, they will make selections that defend 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. Follow Safer Intercourse
Use Condoms Persistently and Accurately
- Condoms are probably the most 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 Accomplice’s Standing
- Encourage open, sincere conversations
- Get examined collectively usually
2. Get Examined and Know Your Standing
- Everybody ought to get examined for HIV at the very least as soon as; extra usually if sexually lively or at greater threat
- Early prognosis results in higher outcomes and prevents transmission
- Free and confidential testing is out there in lots of clinics and neighborhood facilities
3. Think about Preventive Medicine
PrEP (Pre-Publicity Prophylaxis)
- A day by day capsule 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 very least 74%
PEP (Publish-Publicity Prophylaxis)
- Emergency medicine taken inside 72 hours after potential HIV publicity
- Should be taken for 28 days
- Not a substitute for normal prevention strategies
4. Keep away from Sharing Needles or Gear
- All the time use new, sterile needles for injecting medication, hormones, or steroids
- Needle alternate applications present clear tools and secure 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 scale 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 therapy and reduces total threat
7. Promote Schooling and Cut 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 therapy, 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 submit, we’ll discuss how, when, and the place to get examined for HIV, what the method appears to be like like, and why realizing your standing is a robust act of self-care and prevention.