Can HIV be prevented?

This is a question that is remarkably important and the answer is quite simply "yes." Unfortunately, even though there is much known about the transmission of this disease the reality is that HIV is still a major threat worldwide.

First, and foremost: safer sex. Partners should wear condoms. Do not feel ashamed to insist on this with your partner.

Second: no sharing of needles of any kind. Fortunately, when dealing with the disease of addiction many agencies now hand out free disposable needles so sharing can be prevented.

Thirdly: wear gloves whenever in contact with blood or body fluids. And wash your hands after wearing gloves.

Education of transmission is the key to prevention. We must begin to teach our youth, parents, and other members of the community how to prevent HIV and to follow simple guidelines to help eradicate this disease.

Unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, should be avoided with an infected person. Unprotected sexual contact with someone with unknown HIV status should also be avoided.

Gloves should be worn when in contact with blood or other body fluids that could possibly contain blood, such as urine, feces, or vomit. Cuts, scrapes, sores, or breaks on the exposed skin of both the caregiver and patient should be covered with bandages. Any body area that comes into contact with blood or other body fluids should be thoroughly washed. Surfaces that have been tainted with blood should be disinfected with antibacterial soap. Practices that increase the likelihood of blood contact, such as the sharing of razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers, should be avoided.

Needles and other sharp instruments should be used only when medically necessary and handled appropriately.

Antiviral therapy during pregnancy can significantly lower the chance that the virus will be passed to the infant before, during, or after birth. The treatment is most effective if it is started as early as possible during pregnancy. However, there are still health benefits if treatment is begun during labor or shortly after the baby is born. Infected mothers should not breastfeed their newborn(s).

Preventing drug resistance: The above practices should also be practiced by individuals who are already HIV-positive, especially those receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) because they could potentially be transmitting drug-resistant strains of the virus to others. This also applies to sexual partners who are both HIV-positive and receiving HAART because they could potentially transmit different strains of the virus to each other that may be resistant to the partner's HAART. This would make their current therapy ineffective.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The most common ways to contract HIV is through anal or vaginal sex or sharing drug injection equipment. Preventative measures thus include avoiding unprotected sex and IV drug use. When engaging in sexual activity with a new partner make sure both parties are screened for HIV. Condoms work well if used properly, but abstinence is of course safer. Get tested often and do not hesitate to seek medical care if exposure to HIV is suspected.