An estimated large number of world’s population are living with the HIV virus – the virus that leads to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and AIDS. As an approximation, almost 30,000 new HIV infections occur each year in the major parts of the world. The reality is that even one-fourth of the people suffering from this ailment are unaware of their HIV status.
Transmission of HIV from one individual to another is impossible to combat without an HIV test. It is because only a test can confirm the HIV status of an individual. It is the only way to conclude that whether a person is living with the virus or not. Once an individual is confirm about its HIV status then it can adopt safer behaviors to reduce or, if possible, eliminate the transmission of this disease.
Who All are at Risk?
Any person who executes risky behaviors is at the risk for catching HIV. Some of the risky behaviors, are having unprotected sex with more than one partner and sharing injections or drugs with an HIV infected person. Any individual who practice such behaviors can meet the HIV infection irrespective of his gender, race, age, or lifestyle practices. It, is therefore, essential that people should go for an HIV test.
Older people who have an active sex life are prone to this ailment. This disease is not related with a healthy immune system, and hence, anyone, even with a strong immune system can catch the disease. Even adolescents who are below 13 years of age may also suffer from this ailment. It is because of the fact that in few cases adolescents may get engaged in forceful physical connections with those suffering from HIV. Sexual education, is therefore, extremely essential for children and they must be taught with it at any early stage.
Preventing the Spread of HIV to others
The simplest way to prevent this disease from spreading to others is by preventing practicing risky behaviors. HIV spreads when the body fluids of an infected person transmits into the body of a healthy individual. Besides this, if a person comes in contact with the infected blood or infected injection or equipment then they may immediately meet the virus, and hence, cause the infection.
It is also possible to prevent the disease by not involving in physical relations with more than one partner. Also, if in case one partner is showing symptoms since long time then it is better to first go for an HIV test, before coming in contact with him. Avoiding taking the test is the biggest problem in overcoming this ailment.
The Bottom Line
* More than half of the individuals living with HIV are not aware of their status.
* It is essential for each member of the society to go for HIV testing process, as it is the only way to detect its presence.
* Not only adults, but even should be aware of this ailment and the knowledge for the same must be provided to them at an early stage.
Each member of the society must go for an HIV test, and if the test results negative then one should examine the status in every two or three years.
By Garry Brunt
