On World AIDS Day, the need to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS is once again being emphasized. Due to changing lifestyle, ignorance of safe sex and lack of sex education in the country, cases of infection are continuously increasing. Experts believe that this disease can be prevented to a great extent by timely testing, correct information and adopting responsible behaviour.
Expert gave this information
Senior doctor of the country, Dr. Vinod Raina (MD Medicine) has expressed serious concern regarding the increasing infection of HIV/AIDS in India. Giving information to the team of ABP Live, Dr. Raina, who has experience in the treatment of HIV for 25 years, said that many countries of the world have stopped this disease to a great extent with the help of timely awareness and community health programs, but even today India is getting infected rapidly due to lack of necessary awareness, education and prevention. In a warning tone, he said that if the society and the government do not become active yet, then the coming generations will have to pay a heavy price.
Europe-America stopped with awareness, India is still lagging behind
In the 70-80s, HIV spread rapidly through unprotected sex in Europe and America, but in time, those countries started strong health programs. Dr. Raina explains that promotion of community medicine and open dialogue on sexual health played an important role in controlling the infection in those countries. On the contrary, due to social networks and changing lifestyle in India, the youth are forming relationships without protection. Due to lack of information among the youth coming from village to city or starting a new sexual life, the infection is spreading rapidly.
Lack of sex education is the biggest weakness’
Dr. Raina says that even today sex is seen as a taboo in the country. Children, youth, health workers, even doctors do not receive adequate training in sexual health. According to him, “When people do not use protection, are unaware of infection and do not understand sexual hygiene, then the spread of the disease is certain. Today the situation is such that 25 years ago only a few patients used to come in a month, and now we have to see 15–20 HIV cases in a day.”
Post-exposure prophylaxis: prevention possible even after a mistake
Giving important information, Dr. Raina said that, if a person has unprotected sex and realizes his mistake the next morning, then he can contact the doctor within 72 hours and start a medicine called Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). By taking this medicine for 30 days, HIV infection can be prevented. But the problem is that most of the people in the country do not know about this medicine, because there are neither useful programs nor correct information.
Condoms: small caution, big protection
According to Dr. Raina, condom protects not only from HIV but also from serious diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia. Therefore, every person should maintain safe relationships and avoid multiple partners.
Appeal to make HIV test mandatory before marriage
Dr. Raina says that he comes across many such cases in which a husband or wife gets HIV after marriage and the investigation reveals that one of them had the disease before marriage. He says, “People match horoscopes before marriage, but it is just a test of Rs 400-500. Can’t it be made mandatory before marriage? This will save not only homes but also lives.”
Once infected with HIV, it stays with you for the rest of your life.
They warn that HIV is a disease that there is no way to completely remove it from the body. Once infected, a person has to live with medicines, regular checkups, and special diet and precautions throughout his life. Daily exercise, high protein diet and discipline in lifestyle becomes necessary.
Infection spreading rapidly among youth and homosexual community
According to Dr. Raina, cases of HIV infection have increased rapidly among college going youth and homosexual community, in which up to 72% higher incidence is being seen. They say that society cannot be made safe without educating children about good touch-bad touch, safe relationships, and body understanding.
Lack of open communication in India
In many countries there are rallies, parades and public programs for HIV awareness, but in India this topic is still hidden. Dr. Raina believes that just one day’s awareness will do nothing. STDs will have to be given the same amount of space in health education as is given to the respiratory or cardiovascular systems.
Modern treatment available based on WHO guidelines
Today technology has advanced so much that even if both the parents are HIV positive, but take medicines regularly, the child can be born HIV negative. With anti-retroviral therapy, the virus can be reduced so much that it cannot infect others.
What things should be kept in mind if there is an HIV patient in the house?
If there is a HIV infected person in a family and his condition is serious, then keep their utensils, clothes and towels, soap etc. separately. There is neither their fake food nor anything to give. Take them to the doctor and start anti-viral therapy. Apart from this, it is very important to give them protein diet.
Do not ignore the symptoms of HIV
Constant illness, frequent typhoid or loose motion, weakness, constant fatigue, weight loss, high fever – these can be signs of HIV. As the infection progresses, there is a possibility of other diseases like TB, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes or HPV.
The country will be safe only when the society wakes up.
Dr. Raina says, “Being a doctor, I request people with folded hands to raise this issue. Promote testing, teach sex education, make safe sex a habit. Only if we take steps today, the coming generations will remain healthy.”
Also read: Childbirth Lifespan: Does the mother’s age decrease after giving birth to a child? Shocking revelation in research
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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