Basics of HIV Prevention
HIV prevention begins with avoiding behaviors that will put a person at risk for getting the disease. Illegal drug use and sharing needles or having unprotected sex with someone who is HIV/AIDS positive is one of the most common ways to contract the disease. Talking about AIDS with your sexual partners and be sure they have been tested for HIV and AIDS.
Many people find this conversation to be extremely difficult; however, it is no where near as difficult as living with the disease. It is often helpful to have both people in a relationship get tested at the same time. It can often help reduce some of the stress and embarrassment people feel when getting tested.
Condoms for HIV Prevention
Latex condoms are one of the best ways to accomplish HIV prevention. However, they must be used each and every time intercourse is attempted, whether it is vaginal, rectal, or oral. Sheepskin condoms are not effective in HIV prevention. Also some oil-based lubricants can affect the effectiveness of latex condoms. Use a water-based lubricant to maximize the HIV prevention benefits.
Female condoms have also shown to be effective in HIV prevention. If you are sexually involved with someone who is HIV positive, consider speaking with your health care provider about AIDS and the risks involved.
Staying Educated About AIDS
HIV prevention also begins with knowledge. The general population needs to become educated about AIDS and the consequences of risky behavior. HIV prevention and information about AIDS is currently taught in most health and science classes in our schools. Further education about AIDS and HIV prevention is needed to be sure today’s youth understand how HIV is contracted and learning about AIDS.
There are many resources available to learn about AIDS and HIV prevention. Local health departments, family planning centers, and community clinics all have an incredible amount of information about AIDS and HIV Prevention. Many websites are also dedicated to providing information about AIDS. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website provides a comprehensive informational area about AIDS, including HIV/AIDS treatment programs, available drugs, and counseling links. Their website is http://www.cdc.gov.
Organizations for HIV Prevention
There are many organizations dedicated only to HIV prevention. Many of these organizations are made up of people who lost a loved one to AIDS. Some of these organizations hold AIDS awareness rallies, and usually one day a year is dedicated as National AIDS Awareness Day. Many distinct groups are now designating a specific day, such African Americans, women, and gay men. Some of these organizations include National Association of People with Aids (http://www.napwa.org/index.shtml), AIDS Action (http://www.AIDSaction.org), and the National Minority AIDS Council (http://nmac.org).
Research and learn about AIDS and HIV prevention. Knowledge is a powerful thing and may just save your life.