Prevention of HIV 

 

As there is no cure for HIV or AIDS at this time, the best method of staying clear of the virus is avoiding contracting it to begin with. Reducing the risk of contracting the virus involves making certain lifestyle decisions.

 

All adult and adolescent patients should be considered potentially at risk of HIV infection. Regardless of gender, marital status, class, race, residence, age or assumed sexual orientation, assumptions have no place when determining risks regarding HIV.

 

Activities that increase risk of HIV infection include unprotected sex, sharing needles or any illicit drug paraphernalia that may have blood or other bodily fluid residue. As judgement can be impaired under the influence of alcohol and narcotics, it is important to be extremely cautious of the risks of infection when consuming legal or illegal substances.

 

Effective ways to remain HIV free include:

 

• Remain abstinent (not have sex)

• Having yourself and sexual partner tested for HIV and know one another's HIV status

• Use protection (condoms)

• Stay in a monogamous relationship with one sexual partner

• Have regular HIV tests

• Use clean needles if you're injecting drugs

• Don’t share needles

• Don’t share anything that can potentially transfer blood (toothbrush, razor blades, etc.)

 

Currently, drug researchers and developers at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) are creating barriers to infection in the form of gels, creams and foams. These topical products are applied to the female genitalia before intercourse.

 

Antiretrovirals such as these are called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP's are especially useful for women in third world countries, who do not have much control over their sexual endeavours and relationships. To be able to use these antiretrovirals, the consumer must be HIV negative.

 

In Australia, the Kirby Institute is doing research on the cures for HIV/AIDS. Sharron Ruin from Melbourne's Alfred Hospital and her team are working towards achieving better ways to suppress the latency of the virus and create an effective prevention vaccine for HIV.