Introduction

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, remains one of the world’s most significant public health challenges. It weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and certain cancers. While treatment has improved greatly over the past few decades, prevention remains the best defence.

In this Health Feed article by Quickobook, we’ll explore everything you need to know about HIV prevention, including:

  • How HIV spreads
  • Practical prevention methods
  • The role of general physicians in HIV awareness and care
  • Common myths and facts
  • Frequently asked questions answered simply

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from HIV.

 

Understanding HIV

HIV is a virus that attacks CD4 cells (T cells) — key defenders in the immune system. Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a stage where the immune system is severely damaged.

However, HIV is preventable, and with the right care, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives.

How HIV Spreads

HIV is transmitted when certain body fluids from an infected person enter another person’s bloodstream. These fluids include:

  • Blood
  • Semen and pre-seminal fluid
  • Vaginal fluids
  • Rectal fluids
  • Breast milk

Main routes of transmission:

  1. Unprotected sex – Vaginal or anal sex without a condom or other barrier.
  2. Sharing needles or syringes – Often linked to injecting drugs or unsafe medical practices.
  3. Mother-to-child transmission – During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
  4. Blood transfusions with unscreened blood – Rare today due to strict medical screening.

HIV is NOT spread through:

  • Hugging or shaking hands
  • Sharing toilets, utensils, or clothes
  • Mosquito or insect bites
  • Coughing or sneezing

Why HIV Prevention Matters

Preventing HIV is not just about avoiding illness — it’s about:

  • Protecting your long-term health
  • Reducing stigma around HIV and AIDS
  • Breaking the chain of transmission in the community
  • Saving healthcare costs through prevention instead of treatment

By following prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce the number of new HIV infections every year.

Proven HIV Prevention Strategies

1. Practice Safe Sex

Using a condom correctly every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex greatly reduces your risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Quick tips:

  • Use only latex or polyurethane condoms.
  • Check the expiry date.
  • Use a new condom for each sexual act.

 

2. Get Regular HIV Testing

Knowing your HIV status is key. Many people with HIV don’t show symptoms for years but can still spread the virus.

When to get tested:

  • At least once a year if you’re sexually active.
  • Every 3–6 months if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk activities.

Quickobook makes it easy to book a general physician for testing and counselling without long waiting times.

READ ALSO: Should Women Use Soap On Their Intimate Area? Expert Advice Inside

3. Consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP)

PREP is a daily pill for people at high risk of HIV. It can reduce the chance of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken correctly.

It’s important to speak with a general physician to see if PREP is right for you.

 

4. Use Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) After Risk

If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV (for example, a condom breaks or you have unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown), PEP can help.

PEP is a course of HIV medicines taken for 28 days. It must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure — the sooner, the better.

 

5. Avoid Sharing Needles

If you use injectable drugs, always use clean, sterilized needles and never share them. Many health centre’s offer needle exchange programs to reduce the risk.

 

6. Treat Other STIs Promptly

STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes can increase your risk of contracting HIV. If you have symptoms like sores, discharge, or pain, see a general physician right away.

 

7. Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission

HIV-positive mothers can take medicines during pregnancy and delivery to lower the risk of passing HIV to their baby to less than 2%.

 

Myths and Facts About HIV Prevention

Myth 1: You can get HIV from kissing.
Fact: HIV is not spread through casual contact like kissing or hugging.

Myth 2: HIV only affects certain groups.
Fact: Anyone can get HIV regardless of gender, age, or sexuality.

Myth 3: You can tell if someone has HIV by looking at them.
Fact: Many people with HIV look and feel healthy for years. Testing is the only way to know.

 

Role of a General Physician in HIV Prevention

A general physician plays a central role in:

  • Counselling patients on prevention methods
  • Conducting HIV testing and STI screening
  • Prescribing PREP or PEP
  • Referring patients to HIV specialists if needed
  • Offering guidance on safe sex and healthy relationships

With Quickobook, you can book a general physician online for same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring timely medical advice.

 

HIV Prevention in the Digital Age

Platforms like Quickobook make HIV awareness more accessible through:

  • Health Feed articles that educate in simple language
  • Easy appointment booking with doctors for HIV testing
  • Secure online consultations for those who prefer privacy
  • Reminders for regular health check-ups

This integration of technology and healthcare means more people can take preventive steps without barriers.

 

Lifestyle Tips to Stay HIV-Free

  1. Be open about sexual health with your partner.
  2. Carry condoms if you are sexually active.
  3. Limit alcohol and drug use before sexual activity (they can impair judgment).
  4. Follow up on any abnormal health symptoms promptly.
  5. Stay updated with reliable information from Health Feed.

 

HIV Prevention FAQ

Q1: Can HIV be prevented completely?
Yes, by combining safe sex practices, not sharing needles, and using preventive medication like PREP, the risk can be nearly eliminated.

Q2: Is HIV curable?
No cure exists yet, but treatment allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.

Q3: How often should I get tested for HIV?
Once a year if you are sexually active; every 3–6 months if at higher risk.

Q4: Can I get HIV from oral sex?
The risk is lower than vaginal or anal sex, but still possible, especially if there are cuts or sores in the mouth.

Q5: What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is the virus; AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection when the immune system is badly damaged.

Q6: Does PREP protect against other STIs?
No, PREP only prevents HIV. You still need condoms to protect against other STIs.

Q7: What should I do if I’ve been exposed to HIV?
Seek medical care immediately for PEP, ideally within 2 hours and no later than 72 hours.

Q8: Is it safe to have children if I’m HIV positive?
Yes, with proper treatment, the risk of transmission to the baby can be reduced to below 2%.

Q9: Can casual contact spread HIV?
No, you can’t get HIV from handshakes, hugs, sharing food, or using the same toilet.

Q10: Is HIV still a major health problem today?
Yes, millions live with HIV worldwide, but prevention and treatment have improved dramatically.

Q11: Can HIV be spread by mosquitoes?
No, HIV cannot survive inside insects.

Q12: Is HIV testing confidential?
Yes, all HIV tests are confidential. Many clinics also offer anonymous testing.

Q13: How does alcohol increase HIV risk?
It can impair judgment and lead to risky sexual behaviour.

Q14: Do women need HIV prevention as much as men?
Yes, women are equally at risk and should follow prevention steps.

Q15: Can sharing razors transmit HIV?
Yes, if the razor has infected blood and it enters your bloodstream.

Q16: How soon after exposure can HIV be detected?
It depends on the test — some can detect HIV within 10–14 days.

Q17: Can breastfeeding spread HIV?
Yes, HIV can be passed through breast milk. Formula feeding is recommended in some cases.

Q18: Is there a vaccine for HIV?
No approved vaccine exists yet, though research is ongoing.

Q19: Should I talk to my doctor about HIV even if I’m not at risk?
Yes, everyone benefits from being informed about prevention.

Q20: How can I book an HIV test quickly?
Use Quickobook to book a general physician or lab appointment online for fast, private testing.

 

Conclusion

HIV prevention is possible with the right knowledge and habits. Safe sex, regular testing, avoiding needle sharing, and early medical care are your strongest tools.

Through Quickobook’s Health Feed and easy access to general physicians, you can get trusted advice, schedule HIV tests, and start preventive treatments like PREP or PEP without delay.

Your health is in your hands — take the steps today to stay HIV-free and help end the spread of HIV in your community.