Healthshots

By Aayushi Gupta

Published July 17, 2024

Tips To Prevent HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a chronic infection that compromises the immune system. It weakens your body's ability to fight against infections and diseases, making you susceptible to diseases like tuberculosis and even some cancers.

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Symptoms of HIV

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Shortly after infection (typically within 2-4 weeks), flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, and headaches, may occur. Other symptoms may include night sweats, diarrhoea, and oral ulcers.

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Causes of HIV

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HIV/AIDS does not spread through casual contact, air, water, or insect bites. HIV is primarily transmitted through activities that involve an exchange of bodily fluids containing the virus.

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These include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles contaminated with infected blood, transmission from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding, and, less commonly through blood transfusions or organ transplants.

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How To Prevent HIV?

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Always use condoms correctly during sexual intercourse to reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

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Practice Safe Sex

Refrain from sharing needles or syringes for injecting drugs or any other substance to prevent exposure to HIV and other blood-borne infections.

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Avoid Needle Sharing

Knowing your HIV status through regular testing can help in early detection and prompt treatment, reducing the risk of transmission especially if you are sexually active.

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Get Tested Regularly

If you are at higher risk of HIV exposure (e.g., having an HIV-positive partner), talk to a healthcare provider about PrEP, which involves taking medication to prevent HIV infection.

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Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)