How can AIDS be prevented?

STEPS AND PRECAUTIONS FOR AIDS PATIENTS TO TAKE:
You will be given the necessary treatment and medical counseling about AIDS including how to take care of your health and how not to spread the disease to others.

General safety measures for AIDS patients:

• Keep a list of vital telephone numbers

• Make sure the house is safe proof

• Make sure personal essential equipments are available such as disposable gloves, pads and diapers

• You should not donate blood

• Maintain proper nutrition

• Protect against illnesses, eg. avoid going near sick people, wear masks when visiting sick people, avoid getting cuts and open wounds

• You must use a condom whenever you engage in sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) to protect your partner from being infected with AIDS

• If you are a drug user, stop this habit. Do not inject drugs or share needles and syringes with other addicts

• Infected women should avoid getting pregnant as they can pass the AIDS virus to their babies

BASED ON THE EXISTING KNOWLEDGE OF AIDS, THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC:

• Avoid sexual contact with any person whose background and current health status is unknown to you.

• Avoid having multiple sexual partners and avoid sexual contact with others who have multiple sexual partners. This includes male and female prostitutes.

• Avoid sex with persons suspected of being AIDS carriers or patients. If sex cannot be avoided (such as spouses of AIDS carriers or patients) it is advisable to use a condom. Use of condoms can reduce the risk of getting AIDS.

• Avoid injecting drugs.

• Do not share needles and syringes to inject drugs.

• Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes, razors or any other items that can be contaminated with blood.

• Eat only cooked food and boiled water.

Travel tips
Take precautions when you travel abroad. AIDS is found in many countries throughout the world. Eat only cooked food and boiled water.

Exercise training
There is a growing evidence that exercise training can improve the mood state and quality of life for HIV positive individuals. In addition, there is also a widespread belief among the HIV community that exercise training will make them stronger, improve their endurance and protect them from infection.

Immunisation
More than 40 experimental HIV vaccines have been tested on humans worldwide but to date none has been approved yet. Prevention of AIDS requires self-discipline and strength in character. The requirements often seem personally restrictive but they are effective and can save lives.