Stop AIDS: Prevention is Better than Cure

HIV/AIDS is a term that is usually used interchangeably to refer to the same disease, but the truth is that they are different terms where HIV refers to the human immunodeficiency virus whereas AIDS refers to the final stage of HIV infection.

Today, HIV is not considered to be a life-ending virus since there is no cure for HIV yet, but thanks to the modern antiretroviral treatment it is possible to live happily despite HIV. Individuals, who receive treatment and have achieved and maintained their viral load undetectable, cannot spread HIV through sex.

Being informed on how HIV is transmitted, ways of preventing the virus and the importance of early testing and treatment of the disease will definitely reduce the amount of myths and prejudices related to HIV/AIDS.

What Are HIV and AIDS?

HIV targets the cells of the immune system and without treatment will progressively compromise the body’s ability to protect itself from infections and some illnesses.

The term AIDS describes a situation where someone with HIV has developed a very weakened immune system due to HIV infection. It is possible for someone to be living with HIV and not develop AIDS through appropriate treatment and care.

The critical thing that people need to know today is that having HIV does not mean the end of a person’s life. There have been changes that have made HIV a manageable illness.

For more information, see the WHO HIV and AIDS fact sheet.

How HIV Is Transmitted

There are specific body fluids of an HIV-positive individual that, if they get into the bloodstream or mucous membranes of another individual, could transmit HIV.

Some of the most common modes of transmission are as follows:

• Unsafe sexual intercourse through the vagina or anus.
• Sharing of needles and syringes used to inject drugs.
• Transmitting the virus from the mother to the infant either in the womb, during delivery or while breast-feeding.
• Direct exposure to infected blood.

Oral sex is much less risky compared to vaginal or anal sex. Transmission of HIV is not possible through daily life activities.

How HIV Is Not Transmitted

There are many individuals who remain afraid of casually coming into contact with HIV-positive individuals. This is mostly because there are a lot of misconceptions regarding HIV transmission that people tend to believe.

The following list contains ways that HIV is not spread by:

• Hugging or shaking hands.
• Sharing food or eating utensils.
• Being seated or working alongside an HIV-positive individual.
• Simple physical touch.
• Coughing and sneezing.
• Using the same toilet or swimming pool as an HIV-positive individual.

It is imperative to know these facts because fear of and misinformation about HIV can cause undue segregation and discrimination of HIV-positive individuals.

HIV Prevention

There is no one prevention strategy that is suitable for all people. Various prevention strategies can be adopted depending on the situation of a particular individual and his/her risks.

Using condoms properly, abstaining from sharing of needles or injection equipment, undergoing testing, and taking drugs like PrEP and PEP (both post-exposure prophylaxis) are some ways to prevent HIV.

People who do not have HIV take PrEP to minimize the chances of being infected with it. PEP is an emergency drug which is taken after any exposure. It is advisable to start PEP soon after the exposure and at most within 72 hours of that.

Treatment is another significant aspect of the prevention of HIV infection. If a person who is living with HIV uses ART and achieves an undetectable viral load, then HIV will not be transmitted through sexual intercourse. This is popularly known as U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable.

For more information about HIV prevention and PEP, visit the CDC HIV Prevention resource.

HIV Testing

There is only one way to know whether you have HIV and that is testing.

If the test turns out negative, testing serves as an encouragement for people whereas those who have HIV can get the treatment and care early on. Individuals who are at risk of HIV may require more frequent testing.

HIV testing and counselling are available in India as part of the national HIV program wherein people who have HIV will get connected to treatment services.

Instead of having a general testing regime, it will depend on the risk of individuals themselves.

HIV During Pregnancy

It is possible for HIV to be transmitted from a mother to her child through pregnancy, delivery, or breast milk feeding. However, with the help of HIV therapy, the risk of HIV transmission is greatly minimized.

As per Indian guidelines, a mother who is pregnant and is found to be infected with HIV should be immediately referred to HIV services and put on antiretroviral therapy as per national guidelines. The viral load test is performed in order to assess the risk of transmission of HIV.

A pregnant woman with any concerns regarding HIV transmission needs to consult a healthcare provider rather than taking it into account from anywhere else.

Modern HIV Treatment

HIV treatments have undergone significant changes since the time of their discovery.

Antiretroviral therapy involves the use of drugs to inhibit the multiplication of the HIV infection within the body. At present, treatment does not eliminate HIV from the body, but it inhibits the HIV infection within the body at very low levels.

Following the treatment and medical check-ups are among the key aspects of HIV treatment.

There is also an important aspect of prevention through treatment: when HIV is controlled and becomes undetectable, there is no risk of sexual transmission.

Living Well With HIV

A diagnosis of HIV can create many emotional responses. A person may feel afraid, upset, ashamed, worried about how their family members, partner and friends may react.

While it is normal to experience such emotions, having an HIV diagnosis doesn’t mean a person has lost their self-respect and future prospects.

With proper medical care, people with HIV can pursue further education, career paths, maintain relationships, continue family life, and lead their normal routine. The key things here are following healthcare professionals, taking the treatment properly and receiving the necessary assistance.

Psychological therapy can also be useful in this situation. Such factors as anxiety, depression, fears about revealing one’s condition and social isolation may affect coping ability of a person. Psychologically supportive therapy will assist in dealing with these emotions and adaptation to HIV-positive status.

You may also learn more about Psychological Therapies at Ahana Hospitals or find out more from our Mental Health Guides.

Myths and Stigma

HIV is not a punishment or an indication of one’s character or anything that will make you outcast from the community.

Stigma is known to discourage individuals from taking tests, receiving treatment, and discussing their condition. According to UNAIDS, stigma and discrimination are still seen as barriers in the process of accessing HIV prevention, treatment, and testing.

In place of stigmatizing people because of their HIV condition, the right approach would be to offer them correct information and help without being judgmental.

The right statement is not “avoid people living with HIV.”

It should be “learn the facts, protect yourself, take test when necessary and help without stigma.”