HIV/AIDS; WHO IS AT RISK?

This is one of the major important questions about HIV/AIDS, people seek an answer for. . .

WHO IS AT RISK? WHO IS SAFE? AND WHO IS NOT?

First, let me establish a very important fact here, and simultaneously debunk a myth (or more like a general presumption). . .

HIV DOES NOT jump on people !!!. . .

Some people are with the presumption and unrealistic fear that "HIV flies in the air". Very funny right. The assumption is real, but the fact is false.

HIV/AIDS is NOT an airborne disease, it DOES NOT fly in the air, and it DOES NOT jump on people.

Now, that is settled!!! Unto the next. . .

You cannot know if you are at risk or not, if you don't even know in the first place what causes HIV/AIDS. It's only when you know this, that you know what to prevent and what not to, because the causes, obviously places you at risk.

So let's talk a little on that first, shall we. . .

CAUSES OF HIV/AIDS

The HIV virus is not a virus that springs up on its own within an individual. So it's not a case of whether you maintain good hygiene or not. HIV can only be transmitted through an infected person or object.

SO HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

To become infected with HIV, infected blood, semen or vaginal secretions must enter your body.

One can become infected with HIV in several ways:

●         THROUGH SEX

One may become infected with HIV through having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner whose blood, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body.

The virus can enter your body through mouth sores or small tears that sometimes develop in the rectum or vagina during sexual activity.

●         THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS

In some cases, the virus may be transmitted through blood transfusions. That is why it is advisable for hospitals and blood banks to screen the blood supply for HIV antibodies, in order to reduce this risk.

●         THROUGH NEEDLES

HIV can be transmitted through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia puts you at high risk of HIV.

●         DURING PREGNANCY, CHILD BIRTH OR BREASTFEEDING

During pregnancy or delivery or through breast-feeding, infected mothers can infect their babies. But by receiving treatment for HIV infection during pregnancy, mothers significantly lower the risk to their babies.

NOTE:

You can't become infected through ordinary contact, hugging, *kissing*, dancing or shaking hands with someone who has HIV or AIDS.

I'd like to advice on the "kissing". Yes, HIV is not transmitted through kissing, that's only if the infected person does not have a sore in his/her mouth, or bleeding gums. This is not easy to detect. So, it would be better to be cautious than sorry.

AGAIN, HIV CAN NOT be transmitted through the air, water or insect bites. So it DOES NOT jump.

Now, back to the topic of discussion. . .

WHO IS AT RISK OF HIV/AIDS?

The sad thing is that anyone could be at risk of HIV/AIDS, be it a baby or an adult, black or white, male or female, anyone and everyone.

But those at greatest risk of HIV/AIDS include:

●      Those who have unprotected sex. This includes:

- Men who have unprotected sex (without a condom) with other men or women.

- Those who have anal or vaginal intercourse without a condom.

●      Those who multiple sexual partners.

●     Those who have another STI: Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) produce open sores on the genitals. These sores act as doorways for HIV to enter the body.

●       Those who use intravenous drugs: People who use intravenous drugs often share needles and syringes. This exposes them to droplets of other people's blood.

Prevention, they say, is better than cure.

#ITSABOUTTIME

#Stayhealthy