HIV prevention services reduce the spread of the virus by increasing awareness, knowledge, and behavior among people at high risk for infection. They also increase the likelihood that persons living with HIV will remain healthy.
Behavioral interventions are cost effective and have been proven to significantly reduce sexual risk behaviors and prevent HIV transmission among young adults, men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexual men and women, and drug users. Visit here for more information about aids2010.org/ right now.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PEP is a medicine to prevent HIV infection that must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure. It can help prevent HIV infection in people who are sexually active, share needles and injection equipment, or have been sexually assaulted.
PEP usually involves taking a combination of three antiretroviral (ARV) drugs — tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine, and raltegravir — for 28 days. The drugs work to lower your chance of getting HIV, and they are safe for people who take them as directed.
People who are at high risk of HIV should talk to their health care provider about PrEP. They may also want to check with their doctor if they have any other risk factors for HIV, such as hepatitis B or kidney disease.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is used when you have been exposed to HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) in an emergency. The medicine is taken within 72 hours of the possible exposure to stop you getting HIV.
It is also used for people who have come into contact with blood that may have been touched by someone with HIV, or if you have been in a situation where you’ve accidentally pricked yourself with needles that have been used by somebody with HIV.
PrEP is a pill that is taken daily, and it can reduce your risk of developing HIV by about 99%. It is available as Truvada or Descovy, which contain two antiretroviral medicines – tenofovir and emtricitabine.
Condoms
Condoms are thin, fitted tubes that create a physical barrier that keeps sperm from entering the vagina and prevents pregnancy. Male condoms are worn over the penis during sex and female condoms are worn inside the vagina before sex.
Using condoms correctly is the best way to avoid HIV transmission and other STDs. There are two ways to assess the effectiveness of condoms: perfect use or method effectiveness and actual use or typical use effectiveness rates.
Condoms are made from latex, polyurethane or polyisoprene and they work well to prevent many STDs. However, people with latex sensitivity or allergies may be more likely to experience skin irritation. You can reduce the risk of a reaction by choosing a condom with a nipple, or adding a bit of lubricant to the outside before use.
Medication
HIV medicines, also known as antiretrovirals (ARVs), help people with HIV to live healthy lives. They stop the virus from replicating in the body and keep their immune system working normally.
They are also used to treat other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis and gonorrhea. These drugs can also help control other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which can have negative effects on the body’s overall health.
These medications are prescribed by a healthcare professional, and you need to follow their instructions carefully to make sure you get the best results. These medicines can be taken as pills, long-acting injections or in combination.
Counseling
Counseling is a process in which an individual works with a trained professional to improve their lives. It is a safe, confidential and collaborative process that allows the client to work through their current life issues with a caring person.
People from all walks of life often seek counseling for assistance with their problems. These include emotional concerns such as stress, depression and anxiety; relationship issues, parenting skills or decision making.
Counseling is an important component of HIV prevention services. It is used to provide routine information about testing, condoms, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and to develop individualized, negotiated HIV risk-reduction plans.