A Basic Preventative Program for HIV and AIDS
People can contract HIV and AIDS a variety of ways such as sex, drug use, or even a blood transfusion, although this last way is virtually non-existent since the mid 1980's when blood donation screening was instituted.
The extensive knowledge about HIV and AIDS has only come within the past thirty or so years. Before that, these autoimmune conditions were not even a blip on the medical community radar. Once seen as a gay disease, HIV and AIDS has become a disease viewed more universally. While strides are being made every day, there is still not cure for these problems and chances are that there won't be for a long time.
People can contract HIV and AIDS a variety of ways such as sex, drug use, or even a blood transfusion, although this last way is virtually non-existent since the mid 1980's when blood donation screening was instituted. Knowing how these autoimmune conditions are developed, it is easy to come up with a basic preventative program for HIV and AIDS so that you don't contract them either.
The Sex Factor
Do not engage in anal, oral or vaginal sex until you are sure of your partner's HIV or AIDS status. If you are in a new relationship, make it a point to exchange a doctor's lab report showing that each of you has been tested negative for any type of disease. Do not sleep with multiple partners without protection such as a latex condom.
If one or both of you have HIV or AIDS, always use a latex condom and lubricant during sex. There are different strains of HIV and if you already have one, there is a chance you could contract another and boost your chances of developing AIDS a lot quicker. Plus, a condom will protect each of you from other sexually transmitted diseases or even a common yeast infection.
Whenever you have a new partner, get another HIV/AIDS test to keep your mind and that of your partner's at ease. Condoms are the best way to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS but they are not infallible.
Infectious DiseasesInstead, regular disinfectants and soap and water work wonders. Here are some other ways to avoid infection inside the home:
1. Cut down on allergens like mold, pollen and dust by investing in a HEPA filter for your central air and heating. Don't forget to replace your air conditioning filter about once a month as well.
2.
Infection Control And Hospital Epidemiology
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Just Say No to Drugs
Needles are the predominant way that HIV and AIDS is spread. People who have developed major drug habits often stop caring about sharing needles to shoot heroin or some other drug into their system. They just care about their next fix. Unfortunately, not taking precautions, even in drug use, can eventually kill you.
It's hard to lecture a drug user about the practice of using clean needles for their next fix. When someone is that bad off to inject an illicit substance into their bodies, the last thing they are going to think about is HIV or AIDS.
Practice Proper Precautions
If you work in the healthcare field, always take proper precautions when it comes to handling used needles. Every so often you hear of a nurse or doctor pricking them with a needle only to contract HIV. Be particularly diligent in handling needles when administering drugs or taking blood from drug users and those afflicted with HIV or AIDS.
If you are fond of tattoos, be sure the tattoo parlor you choose practices cleanliness and have passed inspection. There have been cases where innocent people go in for a tattoo and come out with hepatitis or worse, HIV. All because the needle used was not properly sterilized and cleaned.
You cannot contract HIV or AIDS by simple contact like a hug, handshake or even sharing a glass. Basically, intimate contact of bodily fluids through sex or needle use is the two primary ways.
Latest News Regarding Infection Control ?
07/24/2008
Staph infection kills SoCal high school wrestler (Los Angeles Times)
A high school wrestler died from complications of a drug-resistant staph infection and a teammate was being treated for the illness.
Staph infection kills SoCal high school wrestler (Los Angeles Times)
07/24/2008
High School Wrestler Dies From Staph Infection (FOX 40 Sacramento)
DOWNEY — A high school wrestler died from complications of a drug-resistant staph infection and a teammate was being treated for the illness. Noah Armendariz, 17, died Sunday at Children's Hospital of Orange County from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
High School Wrestler Dies From Staph Infection (FOX 40 Sacramento)
07/24/2008
High School Wrestler Dies From Staph Infection (FOX 40 Sacramento)
DOWNEY — A high school wrestler died from complications of a drug-resistant staph infection and a teammate was being treated for the illness. Noah Armendariz, 17, died Sunday at Children's Hospital of Orange County from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
High School Wrestler Dies From Staph Infection (FOX 40 Sacramento)
07/24/2008
On National Patient Safety Day, The Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths Calls on the CDC to Make Every Death Count (PR Newswire via Yahoo! News)
On Friday, July 25th grieving families and patient advocates across the nation will hold candlelight vigils and gather for moments of silence in memory of loved ones who died from hospital infections. We share their pain and outrage, says Betsy McCaughey, Ph.D. Chairman of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths and a former Lt. Governor of New York State. The government agency responsible for ...
On National Patient Safety Day, The Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths Calls on the CDC to Make Every Death Count (PR Newswire via Yahoo! News)
07/24/2008
CMV infections affect more than just patients with compromised immune systems, researchers find (EurekAlert!)
An infection due to a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which most commonly affects people with compromised immune systems, can also affect hospital intensive-care patients who have no immune-system problems, University of Washington researchers have found.
CMV infections affect more than just patients with compromised immune systems, researchers find (EurekAlert!)
07/23/2008
High TB Rates in Immigrants Highlight Need for Better US Infection Control, CDC Study Says (InteliHealth)
CHICAGO (AP) -- Tuberculosis cases continue to fall in the United States, but some immigrants have disturbingly high rates of the disease, according to a study released Tuesday that called for more aggressive action.
High TB Rates in Immigrants Highlight Need for Better US Infection Control, CDC Study Says (InteliHealth)
07/23/2008
QEH officials confident bacterial outbreak is under control (The Guardian)
Three months and 12 patients later, the vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) outbreak is under control at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown.
QEH officials confident bacterial outbreak is under control (The Guardian)
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