Developing vaccines is not easy. It requires extensive research and hard work from scientists followed by clinical trials to check the efficacy of vaccines. Millions of people across the globe wait for this vaccine, which is a boon for AIDS. A vaccine is a therapeutic approach and the best preventive treatment that can work in preventing this fatal disease. AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a chronic, potentially life-threatening disease caused by HIV that is Human Immunodeficiency Virus. As the entire globe waits for the AIDS vaccine, we at Medicircle are conducting an awareness series at the onset of World AIDS Vaccine Day to educate people about AIDS and its preventive measures from eminent expert doctors and medical professionals. 

Dr. Ramesh Maheshwari is a Sexual Medicine Consultant for the past 31 years. He is a Director of WNHO healthcare Private Limited an Institute of sexology which is affiliated with the American College of Sexologists, International, California in the USA. Moreover, he holds awards and recognitions in Faculty and Experts at the National Conference of Sexology in Mumbai 2014.

Prevention of AIDS is better

Dr. Ramesh speaks, “Prevention is better particularly in AIDS. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, the virus is contagious and is transferred during intercourse. If someone is having multiple partners or making relations with more than one partner, this makes the condition worst. The patient can easily get HIV affected. Symptoms will develop after few years of contact. HIV has got no cure. Antiretroviral therapy will not cure the disease but will only add few years to your life. So, it is better to prevent HIV at present as it has got no cure.”

Importance of sex education

Dr. Ramesh talks, “Sex education is very important. Because most of the time, out of curiosity, children make some mistakes during the developmental stages in school life unknowingly. So, it is better to give them education regarding safe sex. This disease can be prevented by preventing sexual contact. Sex education will bring awareness to children regarding sex. This education must start at the secondary school level. Education makes them understand what is wrong and what is right, make them aware of all consequences.”

Immunity helps in preventing chronic illnesses

Dr. Ramesh stresses, “Immunity is really important. Everyone should take proper nutrition, balance of vitamins and minerals. One should have a balanced diet comprising carbohydrates, proteins and essential nutrients. Along with a balanced diet, exercise is very important. Regular exercise helps in maintaining physical health. Exercise is the best solution. For prevention of any of the chronic illnesses or HIV, immunity is very important and plays a major role.”

Ashtam Yog – A holistic approach

Dr. Ramesh adds, “As soon as you get up, clean your face. Wash your nostrils with lukewarm water. Brush your teeth and clean your tongue properly. You can do throat gargling. Proper hygiene is important. But the HIV virus transmits through sexual contact. One can try to do Ashtam Yog i.e yam, niyam, aasan, pranayama, pratyahara, dharnaa, dhyan, samaadhi. These are the holistic approach or principles towards the treatment of chronic illnesses. One should adopt some principles in their life, proper diet more proteins and less carbs, vitamins minerals should be included. Proper exercise, aerobic anaerobic gymnasium to strengthen muscles. Like this, we can add a holistic approach for many treatments.”

(Edited by Renu Gupta)