Yesterday (December 1) is the 33rd World AIDS Day. In order to popularize the knowledge of AIDS prevention and guide students to establish the concept of being responsible for their health, GTIIT invited the staff from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) of Shantou, Jinping District to popularize the knowledge of AIDS to students.

AIDS-related brochures and condoms were distributed in the open floor of the student dormitory. Some teachers and students came to consult AIDS related issues and learn how to prevent AIDS.

"The theme of this year's AIDS day is 'Global solidarity, shared responsibility'. We hope to carry out this kind of activity on campus to enhance students’ understanding of AIDS and stay away from it." Huang Zhongbin, staff from CDC said.

About AIDS

What Is AIDS?

AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body's immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

How Do You Get or Transmit HIV?

You can only get HIV by coming into direct contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV who has a detectable viral load. These fluids are:

• Blood

• Semen (cum) and pre-seminal fluid

• Rectal fluids

• Vaginal fluids

• Breast milk

How Is HIV Spread from Person to Person?

• Having vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom or taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV. Anal sex is riskier than vaginal sex.

• Sharing injection drug equipment("works"), such as needles, with someone who has HIV.

HIV Prevention

Although many researchers are working to develop one, there's currently no vaccine available to prevent the transmission of HIV. However, taking certain steps can help prevent the transmission of HIV.

Safer Sex

The most common way for HIV to be transferred is through anal or vaginal sex without a condom or other barrier method. This risk can't be completely eliminated unless sex is avoided entirely, but the risk can be lowered considerably by taking a few precautions.

• Use condoms. They should learn the correct way to use condoms and use them every time they have sex, whether it's through vaginal or anal intercourse. It's important to keep in mind that pre-seminal fluids (which come out before male ejaculation) can contain HIV.

• Avoid sharing needles or other paraphernalia. HIV is transmitted through blood and can be contracted by using materials that have come in contact with the blood of someone who has HIV.

Make Their Health Their Top Priority 

Steps to help people living with HIV feel their best include:

• fueling their body with a well-balanced diet

• exercising regularly

• getting plenty of rest

• avoiding tobacco and other drugs

• reporting any new symptoms to their healthcare provider right away

Text: GTIIT Clinic, GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs