Preventing the Transmission of HIV
...en organized grassroots efforts to educate themselves about HIV transmission […] Less than 1% of the gay male population was infected with HIV after 1985, compared to 10% to 20% in the preceding years” (Stine 260). Education is the most powerful prevention in slowing the epidemic. A new HIV transmission has not been introduced in 22 years; transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact, intravenous drug use, contaminated blood contact, and mother-child relationships. Sexual contact is the most common transmission of HIV; the most effective barriers in descending order are abstinence, a monogamous relationship, and practicing safer sex. Latex condoms used correctly with a spermicide are the most effective at preventing transmission and STD’s. Water-based lubrications should be used because oil-based lubrications weaken the condom. The female condom, a polyurethane pouch also offers protection. Blood transfusions account for 8000 HIV infections; tests were developed in the United States in 1995 to screen blood donations. IUD’s face risk of infection from dirty needles but their highest risk comes from prostitution or risky sexual behavior to obtain drugs. NEP’s strive to alleviate transmission through blood contact by providing new needles to IDU’s, diminishing the risk of infection. Health care professionals continually place themselves at risk when they work because they in contact with AIDS infected patients. However, transmission through contact with small amounts of HIV infected blood, such as a needle prick, rarely results in infection. Partner notification has become a method to disrupt the chain of transmission. There has only been one vaccine approved for Phase III victims and scientists do not foresee a creation of a vaccine in the nest 20 years, making partner notification an important tool in helping prevent the spread of HIV. Several sta...