HIV Prevention – Ways to prevent AIDS - Medicircle

Dr. Ajay Kumar gives an overview of HIV AIDS. HIV is a Sexually Transmitted Disease. The most common way of transmission is through sexual exposure. Awareness regarding HIV prevention is very low. Here are a few simple ways by which one can easily prevent HIV infection.

India has the third-largest HIV epidemic with 2.35 million people living with HIV. Of this 1.345 million are receiving ART. There were 69,220 new HIV infections and 58,960 AIDS-related deaths reported in India in 2019. India’s HIV epidemic is driven by sexual transmission. The three states with the highest HIV prevalence, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, are in the east of the country. India’s HIV epidemic is slowing down. Between 2010 and 2017 new infections declined by 27% and AIDS-related deaths more than halved, falling by 56%. We at Medicircle are conducting interviews with some prominent specialists/ doctors to be aware of this problem of prostate cancer which will help you deal with it.

Dr. Ajay Kumar is Working as a General physician for the past 17 years. He has carved a niche of his own in and around Narayanguda, Hyderabad. Apart from being a general physician, he is a renowned HIV specialist and Chest Physician who received his MBBS and MD from the prestigious Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 1999 and 2005 respectively. He received his FHM fellowship in HIV medicine from CMC Vellore in 2009.

HIV is a STD

Dr. Ajay expresses, “HIV is a Sexually Transmitted Disease. Generally, we classify HIV into STDs. Besides HIV, STDs comprise other diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, etc. HIV is the most dangerous of all STDs because it cannot be completely cured, the patient has to take treatment for lifelong by which disease remains under control. STDs like syphilis, gonorrhea have got a cure. STDs other than HIV often present with some specific symptoms but HIV shows no specific symptoms, so it is difficult to diagnose. Therefore, STDs is a broad term that includes many diseases and HIV is also a kind of STD.

HIV - Modes of transmission

Dr. Ajay says, “Basically, HIV can be transmitted in many ways. The most common way of transmission is through sexual exposure. Other less common modes of transmission are the use of unsterile injections, patients receiving a blood transfusion during surgeries or other treatments, and from pregnant mother to her baby.

Why AIDS is a syndrome ?

Dr. Ajay mentions, “There are no specific symptoms or signs of HIV. It generally presents with numerous signs and symptoms. Some patients come with motion, diarrhea, while others experience fever, cough, or lymph nodes enlargement. So, there are several signs and symptoms which cannot be included in a single bracket. Hence, AIDS is called a syndrome and not a disease. 

HIV Prevention

Dr. Ajay stresses, “The awareness regarding HIV prevention is very low among the general public. Here’s some pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis, for prevention from HIV.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – If a person is planning to make a sexual relationship, then he/she should take this drug (PrEP) before sexual contact to prevent HIV. It is a kind of preventable method.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis – If a person has gone through unprotected sexual activity, then he/she can take this drug within 72 hours of sexual exposure and should continue taking this for 1 full month. It is also a preventive aspect for HIV.

If a pregnant woman is HIV positive, medicine can be given to the expectant mother (in early trimesters) to suppress the viral load, making her unable to transmit the infection to the baby.

Discordant couple (Couple in which one is HIV positive and the other is HIV negative) – These couples should always use protection for sexual activity. In case they (protection) fails, then they can also take PrEP (before making sexual relations) or PEP (after getting sexually exposed) drugs to prevent HIV.

(Edited by Renu Gupta)

 

Contributed By: Dr. Ajay Kumar, HIV Specialist, Dr. Ajay HIV AIDS Clinic
Tags : #Healthcare-Trending-Topics #DrAjayKumar #HIV #AIDS #AIDSawareness #HIVawareness #HIVprevention #AIDSprevention #STDs #PEP #PrEP #HIVpositive #Discrimination #Immunecells #Tcells #Medicircle #SmitaKumar

Related Stories

Loading Please wait...

-Advertisements-




Trending Now

Stethoscopes in the Line of Fire: India’s Medical Army Prepares for CrisisMay 10, 2025
Prescription Denied: Why Heart Failure Patients in India Aren’t Getting the Right MedicinesMay 10, 2025
Nipah Returns: How One Woman’s Diagnosis Sparked a Statewide Health EmergencyMay 10, 2025
Is Teleconsultation Legit? How to Choose the Right Online DoctorMay 10, 2025
Ozempic, Mounjaro, and the Weight Loss Drug Revolution: What Patients Need to KnowMay 10, 2025
IGP Launches Flower Fiesta and Creative Workshops to Celebrate Moms NationwideMay 09, 2025
Conflicts and crises intensify the need for gender equality and health equityMay 09, 2025
Swipe. Click. Risk? When Medicines Arrive Faster Than Rules Can Keep UpMay 09, 2025
Biological Age vs Real Age: What If Your Body Is Lying to You?May 09, 2025
Turn Up the Volume, Turn Down the Fat: The Sonic Slimming ScienceMay 09, 2025
A Glimpse into the Eyes to Save the Kidneys: AI's Revolutionary Advancement in Diabetic CareMay 08, 2025
Will Weight-Loss Drugs Solve the Obesity Crisis or Just Create More Problems?May 08, 2025
Could ₹37 Crore in Funding Be the Secret to Unlocking the Future of Healthcare Benefits?May 08, 2025
A film on the incredibly rare and endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtle found in Kerala wins Best Documentary – Jury Award at the prestigious 15th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2025May 08, 2025
Everest Medicines Limited Everest Medicines Announces NMPA Full Approval of NEFECON, Broadening Treatment Access for IgA Nephropathy Patients in ChinaMay 08, 2025
Is Irregular Periods Normal: What Every Woman Should Know, According to a GynecologistMay 08, 2025
India Marks World Thalassaemia Day Amidst Rising Concerns Over Access to CareMay 07, 2025
CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tec City Hosts a ‘MOM’orable Celebration Ahead of Mother’s DayMay 07, 2025
Plastics in Our Bloodstream: Are We Paying for Convenience with Our Hearts?May 07, 2025
The Sparkling Lie or the Secret Elixir? Champagne and Cardiac Claims Under the MicroscopeMay 07, 2025