HIV/AIDS a disease that was not even discussed in a public appearance in the 1990s had much awareness in past few years. People are much cautious about its spread. The disease cannot be completely cured, but proper medication has slower its growth. But if medication is missed it can turn into AIDS. Let’s throw light on the causes which lead to this deadly disease.
- Having sex with the infected person: A person can become HIV infected, if he/she has vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner whose blood, semen, or vaginal secretions enter your body track.
- Injected via used needles: Using contaminated IV drug paraphernalia (needles and syringes) can make you at high risk of HIV. Always check that the doctor/nurse uses a fresh syringe for you. Further, make sure they destroy your used needles.
From blood transfusions. In few cases, the virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusions. Most of the hospitals and blood banks now screen the blood supply for HIV antibodies. This step can help in stopping the spreading of HIV further. During pregnancy or delivery or through breastfeeding. An infected pregnant woman can be a carrier of the virus to her babies. If a pregnant lady has her treatment throughout her term, she can lower the risk of transferring the disease to a newborn baby. Further, the HIV-positive mother should bottle feed her child instead of breastfeeding.
Apart from all these symptoms, all other things are myths. You can’t become HIV infected while having normal contact with an infected person. It implies you can’t be HIV positive by hugging, kissing, dancing, or shaking hands with an infected person. It also doesn’t spread through either water or insect bites.
Written by Mrs. Ruchi Mehta
Health Blogger
