Today, December 1st, World AIDS Day, is a good time to increase your knowledge about this deadly disease. Read on.
A person is said to be HIV Positive when he is inflicted with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Although HIV and AIDS are believed to be synonymous, the fact is that a person who is HIV Positive does not automatically have AIDS. The full form of AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Thus, a person has AIDS only when the Virus causes serious damage to his immune system. He can fall sick easily and is susciptable to numerous diseases, some of which can lead to death.
There are, however, ways to prevent yourself from falling ill and from delaying the weakening of immunity, which is why people who are HIV Positive can still go on to lead normal lives. However, even though they may manage to cope with the virus, an HIV Positive person may infect someone else who then falls victim to AIDS.
How can you get AIDS?
There are only four ways through which the HIV Virus can get transmitted from one person to another:
Blood
It is possible to get AIDS from blood transfusion through an infected needle. This is why people who require regular blood transfusions are especially susceptible to AIDS. Similarly, body piercing with an infected needle, or injecting drugs with an infected needle also leads to AIDS. Thus needles should never be shared, and always insist on a fresh needle.
Semen and Vaginal Secretions
The most common form of getting this disease is through unprotected sexual intercourse. Most parents presume that their teenage children are not indulging in sexual behaviour, and as a result they don't counsel them against the dangers of having unprotected intercourse. Let your child know that you disapprove of him or her having sex, but at the same time, make sure they are fully aware of the dangers of unprotected sex. Being on the pill does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases. A condomn does, since it prevents semen from entering the vagina and it prevents contact with vaginal secretions. A male can also get infected if he has sex with a woman who is HIV positive, so teach your son to always, always wear a condomn, and tell your daughter that if she ever decides to have sex, she should insist that her partner wear a condomn.
Oral sex
Contrary to popular misconception, oral sex is NOT safe sex. You CAN get AIDS through oral sex. Even a person receiving oral sex can get infected with the HIV virus if the person 'giving head' is HIV positive and suffers from bleeding gums. Although theoretically the chance of this happening is very slight, it is possible and has been known to happen.
Breastmilk
AIDS is also transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn, when breastfeeding.
AIDS does not spread through kissing, casual physical contact, hugging, sharing utensils, eating 'jhutha', sharing towels or clothes or mosquito bites.
If you suspect that your husband may not always be faithful to you, you should insist that he wear a condomn when having sex. Also, go in for regular blood tests.
