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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention

Top Doctors
Top Doctors editorial
Top Doctors
Created by: Top Doctors editorial
Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 03/12/2020

According to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV / AIDS (UNAIDS), around 37 million people in the world are living with HIV.


Yesterday was commemorated World AIDS Day, a date that aims to improve understanding of this disease, as well as raise awareness about prevention and treatment.

According to the Ministry of Health of the Nation, in Argentina there are approximately 139,000 people with HIV and 17% do not know they are carriers of this virus.


What is HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)?

It is a retrovirus that complies with the Immune System, invading a type of white blood cells, responsible for the defense of the body against pathologies.

The difference between AIDS and HIV is that AIDS is the disease that HIV can develop, that is, it is the last phase of this virus.


Prevention

HIV is transmitted via the blood, sex, perinatal or cervical routes, therefore, it is recommended:

1- Blood route: do not exchange or share syringes or needles. You must make sure that the material you use in the Dentist, Manicurist or when making a tattoo is sterilized


2- Sexual route: the use of male and female condoms is vital. The male condom is 85% effective against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)


3- Perinatal or cervical route: pregnant women must undergo an HIV diagnosis during the first trimester, if they test positive they must start treatment and stop breastfeeding when the baby is born


HIV test

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people ages 13-64 get tested for HIV at least once in their life. However, those with higher risk should do it at least 1 time a year, that is:

- Those who have had sex with someone infected

- Have had male-to-male sex

- They have had many sexual partners

- Consumers of any type of injected drug

- Have had any STDs


For any questions about the tests and symptoms of this virus contact an Infectious Physician. At Top Doctors you can do it without leaving home, through e-Consultation.

Obstetrics & Gynecology