Education Is The Key To
Stopping the AIDS Epidemic

The key to stopping the rapidly spreading epidemic of AIDS is education and prevention.  The more a person, family, or nation knows about HIV and AIDS the easier it is to teach preventive measures to stop the spread of this disease. 

There are several ways of passing the HIV virus from one person to another.  Some of the more prevalent and most common ways are through unprotected sex between two individuals.  This sexual intercourse can happen through heterosexual or homosexual unprotected sex.  The virus can also be spread through oral sex with an infected person.  Although it is rare in the United States since 1985, you can get the virus by having a contaminated blood transfusion.  Since 1985, steps have been taken to limit that problem.  Tests on blood supplies are now routinely done to check any donated blood for signs of the HIV virus. 

Another common way of passing the HIV virus is by using needles that others have also used.  This is found in areas where intravenous drug use is prevalent.  Sharing needles with other drug users poses a danger of getting the HIV virus.  It is important if you have done this in the past that you are checked by a medical doctor or an anonymous clinic.

Did You Know? 

If you work in a career field where you could be exposed to blood from a contaminated person, you should take precautions to prevent this from happening.  Rubber gloves, and sometimes more than one layer of rubber gloves are needed to keep you from being exposed to the HIV and AIDS virus.  It is possible for anyone working in the medical field to be stuck with a contaminated needle or be exposed to contaminated blood flow.  If a contaminated person’s blood contacting any open sore that is not protected. 

Two other ways of contacting this virus is by having artificial insemination when the donor is infected.  Organ transplants can accidentally transfer the HIV virus from one person to another.
 


Newborn babies are also at risk for having the HIV and AIDS virus passed to them from their mother either during birth, or by breast-feeding.  Many children in underdeveloped nations have been born with the HIV virus passed down to them from infected mothers.

Here are some methods you can use to help prevent the spread of AIDS.

* Only have sex with one partner who is also committed to only one partner.  A protective barrier should also be used.

* Never share needles if you are a drug user.

* Use caution if you are a professional to not touch blood or body fluids that could be contaminated.

* If you have a history of actions that could put you at risk for having the HIV or AIDS virus, have a test before you become pregnant.  If you find you are HIV positive, special prenatal care is needed and there are medications that will help decrease the risk your child will be born with HIV.