How to Avoid Getting HIV/AIDS

AIDS is one of the most deadly diseases to ever exist on our planet. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and results in the destruction of a persons immune system. AIDS leaves people very susceptible to many illnesses, and even usually harmless illnesses become very dangerous due to the inability to properly fight against these illnesses.

HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk.

AIDS is present in millions of people, kills millions of people, and is spread very easily. Therefore, AIDS is considered a pandemic. It is estimated that 2.1 million people, 330,000 children died from AIDS in 2007. Most of the cases of HIV/AIDS is in Africa, in many third-world countries, where proper protection or education is unavailable.

Ways to avoid HIV/AIDS

• Avoid Sharing Bodily Fluids – Though kissing is described as safe, try to avoid any other exchange where foreign substances are absorbed by the body.
• Use Clean Needles – If you are addicted to drugs or require injections of any sort make sure to use a clean needle. By using a dirty needle you are risking infection of HIV.
• Practice Safe Sex – Use condoms every time. Condoms act as a physical barrier. Even if the woman is on birth control you can still be infected with HIV.
• Get Tested, Get Your Partner Tested – Don’t assume someone is telling the truth, make sure to get a person tested before having any sexual contact with him/her. This is extremely important at the beginning of a relationship.