HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a lentivirus that is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV causes the progressive destruction of immune system which leaves the body defenseless against opportunistic infections and cancers. Currently there is no cure for HIV or AIDS but antivirals are able to stop disease progression if they are taken daily and life-long. The World Health Organization has the disease listed as a pandemic and HIV infection prevention is a top priority for many health organizations in countries around the world. Africa has the misfortune of having largest number of infected persons in the world. Globally, 33 million people are infected by HIV, 7000 new cases of infection occur daily and 2 million people die each year from AIDS.

HIV is transmitted from one person to another through the exchange of infected body fluids such as blood and semen. Therefore, HIV infection prevention rests on employing safety measures that limit contact with infected fluids. The most common way HIV is transmitted is through sexual contact. Being vigilant about employing safe sex methods is the key to reducing the risk of becoming infected. Although the number of women spreading the infection is much lower than men, a person can still be infected through vaginal fluids that come in contact with cuts in the mouth or penis. Condoms should be used during vaginal and anal intercourse as well as fellatio. Sexual partners should used dental dams when performing oral sex on females. Partners should avoid kissing if sores or open wounds are present as the disease can be transmitted through saliva containing blood.

When we speak of condom, we usually think about male condoms. However, female condoms exist, but are not well accepted. A number of new female condoms are currently developed to address the common disadvantages of those on the market. However, wider use of the condoms in countries with severe HIV/AIDS epidemics depends on the commitment of governments and other major donors. To achieve its full potential, much greater effort needs to be made worldwide to make condoms more affordable, accessible and acceptable.

Male circumcision has also been proposed to reduce HIV transmission from women to men. However, circumcision is much less effective than condom use at preventing HIV transmission and it is estimated that it only prevents around 50 percent of infections.

Another common way HIV is acquired is through intravenous drug use. Many drug addicts share needles which provide the perfect conditions for transmission of HIV from person to another. For HIV infection prevention, many health agencies advise drug addicts to use fresh needles or at least to not share needles with other users. This also goes for anyone who takes intravenous medication such as insulin. Not only should needles not be shared, they should be properly disposed of to prevent the accidental spread of the disease to others who may share the same living or working space.

Pregnant infected women can prevent contaminating the foetus by taking antiretroviral therapy and having undetectable viral load. They should also not breastfeed as the disease can be passed along to babies through the milk. In 2009, around 400,000 children became infected with HIV, mainly through mother-to-child transmission. About 90% of these infections occurred in Africa where AIDS is beginning to reverse decades of steady progress in child survival.

Healthcare professionals are also at risk of contracting HIV through accidental exposure. Therefore, it is important to follow safety guidelines when working with patients. Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when working with bodily fluids, sores, and open wounds. Use safe collectors to get rid of used needles.

If all these measures were seriously implemented, we could curb down the evolution of the pandemic.

International Symposium on HIV & Emerging Infectious Diseases (ISHEID): http://www.isheid.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alain_Lafeuillade

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6191529

Visit www.herbalhealthhealing.com