PRVENTION
IS THE ONLY CURE FOR HIV / AIDS
Prevention
is simple easy and the only answer we have got today unless we find some
cure. HIV can be easily prevented by adopting simple measures such as:
SAFE
SEX:
The only
safe sex is ‘no sex’; all other practices like masturbation, cuddling,
hugging, rubbing, sticking to one partner or using condom if one cannot
avoid multiple partners are safer sex practices.
SAFE BLOOD:
Judicious
use of blood and use only pretested HIV free blood or blood product.
SAFE NEEDLES:
Insist
your doctors and nurses to use sterile or disposable needles and
instruments.
SAFE MOTHERHOOD:
Before
taking any major step in life like marriage or having child ascertain that
you are HIV free.
SAFE RAZOR AND BLADE:
Never
share your shaving blades with anyone and also ask your barber to use
properly cleansed razor and new blade during shaving or hair cut.
(Although the risk of getting infection from a saloon is minimal)
CARE
OF HIV / AIDS PATIENT
GENERAL
CARE:
- Sympathetic attitude, family and public support
- Patient should be advised to take adequate rest and diet rich in proteins and vitamins
- Patient should be advised not to donate blood or organs
- Patient should be advised to use condom with any sexual partner
- As far as possible patient should avoid eating outside food
- Patient should be encouraged to give up all habits i.e. smoking, alcohol or chewing pan or tobacco
- Patient should drink boiled water
- Patient should be advised to do regular exercise or yoga
If
patients follow above general care tips they can live 1-2 year longer.
SYMPTOMATIC
TREATMENT:
- Early treatment of common problems like fever, cough, diarrhea etc. from family doctor
- Early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections like TB etc.
SPECIFIC
ANTI-HIV TREATMENT:
Many new
anti-HIV drugs which prevent the spread of the virus and can postphone
various complications are now available at selected places in market and
few of them are also manufactured in India e.g. AZT, 3TC, D4T, Saquinavir,
ddc, nevirapine etc. But these medicines are very costly and in India 90%
of HIV patients cannot even think of them. One year expenses of good
comminations of these drugs and blood testing comes to around 1.5 to 2.5
lacs. These medicines can prolong the life of the patient but not cure
him.
CONCLUSION
Remember
AIDS does not discriminate caste, creed, race, religion, educational or
social status. Prevention of AIDS is our joint responsibility. Education
and awareness is the only weapon in our hand. Let us accept the challenge
to fight against AIDS. We must support and care for the people with HIV /
AIDS with compassion and understanding.