Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the life-threatening end stage of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is a virus that weakens the immune system, rendering it incapable of defending the body against various infections and diseases. No vaccine or cure is currently available, so the only way to stop the spread of AIDS is to take precautions.
EDUCATION:-
The greatest defense people have against this disease is education. The Mayo Clinic recommends learning about the various forms of transmission and passing this information on to younger generations.
Male Circumcision
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention),male circumcision substantially diminishes the danger of catching HIV by men during penile-vaginal sex. The findings determined that circumcision lessens the deposits of fibrous protein (keratinization) build up that HIV targets. During intercourse, the uncircumcised penis becomes more vulnerable to tearing, leaving a door open for HIV to enter the male body. The uncircumcised penis can catch sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, which also increases the danger of HIV infection.
Mother-to-Child
According to 2005 CDC statistics, 31 percent of HIV-infected babies born to HIV-infected mothers result from not testing mothers for the disease. Less than two of every 100 pregnant HIV-infected women transmit this deadly disease to unborn children because of the availability of better medicines to treat HIV once the mother-to-be tests positive for the virus. In the 2005 CDC report, HIV-exposed infants in 33 states occurred because the mothers-to-be were not tested.
Condoms
Reliably used, latex condoms prevent the sexual transmission of HIV, the disease that causes AIDS. Testing in laboratories and with sexually active couples of latex condoms prove that this material prevents particles from passing through when used in sexual contact. Covering the penis, the latex condom blocks HIV infection to and from secretions of a sexual partner.
Injection Drug Users
Aside from recommending that injection drug users stop using, the CDC also advises that this HIV high-risk group complete substance abuse treatment with relapse prevention. The CDC cautions that one should never reuse or share injection drug users' needles, water and other drug preparation equipment. In addition, the CDC advises only using hypodermic needles purchased from pharmacies or community needle exchange programs. When no fresh water exists, boil the equipment or use bleach before reuse to lesson the risk of HIV and AIDS. Ongoing injection drug users should periodically test for HIV.
Working with Patients
Always follow infection control precautions from contact with blood and other body fluids from all health care patients. Included in the precautionary practices, health care workers should always use gloves and goggles and should wash all skin surfaces after any connection with blood and body fluids. Health care workers should also be cautious handling and disposing sharp medical instruments during and after use.
SCREENING FOR HIV
For individuals who are at risk, getting tested for HIV is one of the most important ways of preventing new infections. HIV testing also provides health care providers with the opportunity to educate individuals on HIV prevention. Knowing HIV status can give a person a chance to practice prevention methods and start HIV treatment if necessary to prevent opportunistic infections, or illnesses that can be detrimental to persons with HIV. According to the CDC, testing is important for maintaining health and reducing the spread of HIV.
references:-
http://www.livestrong.com/article/118052-aids-precautions/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/268499-precautions-a-person-can-take-to-avoid-hiv/
http://www.ehow.com/list_7161120_hiv_aids-precautions.html
