People often ignore the important of HIV home tests. There is a common misconception among people that HIV Aids only attack specific patients and show specific symptoms of HIV. The HIV statistics reveal that people of any age, race, sexual preference, background or lifestyle can affected this disease while some people still believe that the disease only attack people in prostitutes, homosexuals, and drug users.

Many people have misunderstanding of this disease that the symptoms only appear when someone gets infected. That is why most people HIV testing if the symptoms begin to show. Being sick continuously is do not means that someone get infected to this disease. It is important to know that many people do not show the symptoms at all for months or even years. Symptoms of HIV do have numerous kinds which seem different each other. While diseases such as herpes and gonorrhea have specific symptoms, HIV is an immune deficiency which has no specific symptoms.

HIV Aids is very dangerous illness because any contact with the blood or fluids of an infected person can result in transmitting symptoms of HIV. It often develops within a few days after infection but it may occur several weeks after the person is infected. General symptoms of HIV may include abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, fever, headache, muscle pain, skin rash, sore throat, weight loss. These first symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually disappear on their own after 2 to 3 weeks.

AIDS is one such disease that does not have any permanent cure. Available treatment options are only effective in reducing the symptoms associated with the disease. In such scenario, it is important to have adequate protection so that you do not get the infection.

Preventive measures for persons who are HIV-negative

1. It is important to understand all details pertaining to HIV and the way it is transmitted from person to person. One should also have an idea about various symptoms associated with AIDS.

2. Creating public awareness regarding HIV and AIDS by means of educational programs

3. Having a sexual pleasure with a stranger can be dangerous. One should never enter into any such an act. Make sure your partner is not infected with HIV.

4. One should never engage in unprotected sex. One should always use condoms. Latex condoms are more useful than those made of polyurethane.

5. A circumcision performed under a medical supervision can reduce the risk of an HIV infection.

6. HIV can also get transmitted through infected needles and other sharp instruments. Hence, it is always good to use a clean and sterilized needle while injecting drugs. New razor blades should be used while shaving.

7. Blood transfusion is another important mode of HIV transmission. Hence, it is always better to have blood that has been screened and is negative for HIV and other STIs.

Preventive measures for persons infected with HIV

1. The best preventive measure is to completely abstain from having sex. Always follow safe sex practices such as use of condoms and avoiding any oral or anal intercourse. Sexual devices used by HIV positive individuals should not be shared with others. By this way, one can prevent the spread of this disease to others.

2. One should never shares needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes or blades with others. These items can become a potential source of transmission.

3. An HIV-positive individual should never donate blood or organs. Any such donation can cause the disease to spread to other individuals.

4. If the partner with whom an HIV-positive individual had sex is pregnant, it is always better to share with her the fact about your condition. An early treatment can help in preventing the disease within the woman as well as the child.